Career Criminal Convicted of Theft Spree

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a career criminal whose crime spree included stealing air conditioning units from multiple west Knoxville businesses. Michael John Lynch, 46, was convicted of six counts of Theft. Judge Scott Green set the case for sentencing on May 11.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorney Phil Morton presented proof to the jury that in March of 2013, Lynch stole two heating and air conditioning units worth $6000 from a vacant business on Weisbrook Lane. On April 15, 2013, Lynch stole air conditioning units from Paul’s Oasis on Kingston Pike and Penn Station on North Peters Road. On April 30, 2013, Knoxville Police Department Investigator Todd Strickenberger found Lynch in a truck containing parts of the stolen units that Lynch admitted breaking down and selling as scrap metal.

Lynch is a Career Offender with ten prior felony convictions for offenses like Aggravated Burglary, Forgery, and Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud. Lynch faces a fifteen-year sentence on the theft from Paul’s Oasis and a twelve-year sentence for each of the other thefts. Because of his lengthy criminal history, prosecutors will seek consecutive sentences at the May 11 sentencing hearing.

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.