Registered Sex Offender Convicted of Stealing Children’s Clothes from Kohl’s

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit and White Collar Crimes Unit obtained a conviction today against a registered sex offender who was caught stealing children’s clothing from Kohl’s. August Edward Callis, 54, was convicted by a jury of Theft over $500 following a one-day trial. Judge Scott Green set the case for sentencing on March 11.

At trial, Assistant District Attorneys Sarah Keith and Willie Santana explained to the jury that on November 24, 2014, loss prevention officers at Kohl’s observed Callis acting suspiciously by placing children’s clothes in his shopping cart with no regard to size, color, or fit. Knox County Sheriff’s Office Officer Kevin Greene responded to Kohl’s and watched Callis exit the store without paying and enter a waiting vehicle that started to drive away. Ofc. Greene stopped the getaway vehicle, arrested Callis, and recovered the stolen property. The property was valued at $550, making the offense a Class E felony. During the trial, the defense argued that the value of the property stolen should be calculated using a discounted sale price. Prosecutors argued that the discount applies when the items are actually paid for and not stolen. The jury agreed with prosecutors.

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors will seek an enhanced punishment based on Callis’ prior convictions for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, multiple Violations of the Sex Offender Registry, and Perjury. Theft over $500 carries a punishment between one and six years.

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.