Man Convicted after Assaulting Convenience Store Clerk

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a career criminal who stole from a convenience store then assaulted the clerk who confronted him. Carlton Edward Smith, 56, was convicted of Burglary, Assault, and Theft. Judge Bob McGee set the case for sentencing on February 15.

At trial, Assistant District Attorneys TaKisha Fitzgerald and Ashley McDermott explained to the jury that for several months in early 2017, Smith entered the Pilot convenience store at 1826 Western Avenue after being told repeatedly by store employees that he could not come on store property due to instances of theft and fighting employees. On April 8, 2017, Smith once again entered the store. This time, he began yelling at customers in the store, took merchandise, and attempted to leave again without paying. A store employee told Smith the leave the merchandise, but Smith instead punched the employee in the face. The employee was able to knock Smith to the floor and restrain him even as Smith reached for a knife in his pocket. Knoxville Police Department Officers David Gerlach and Alan Meisheid responded and took Smith into custody.

Smith has dozens of prior convictions dating back to 1980 including seven prior felony convictions for Aggravated Assault, Theft, and drug dealing offenses. At sentencing, Smith is facing twelve years in prison.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.