Opinion ID: 2540147
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Two Counts of Theft

Text: Appellant next argues that he was twice put in jeopardy where he was convicted of two thefts arising from a single offense. He concedes the argument is not preserved for review. Nonetheless, with respect to double jeopardy claims, [presentation of such errors to the trial court, while perhaps preferable, is not required. Cardine v. Commonwealth, 283 S.W.3d 641, 652 (Ky.2009). The evidence at trial established that Appellant and Turnley cut the fence at a sports equipment retailer and pushed two ATVs through the opening. Turnley then drove a pick-up truck over to the fence and Appellant loaded one of the ATVs into the bed of the truck. He instructed Turnley to drive while he followed, riding the second ATV. But as she drove away, the ATV fell off the truck. They continued, stashed the ATV driven by Appellant in an abandoned barn, and returned for the second ATV. The essence of Appellant's argument on appeal is that the offense was a single theft of two ATVs, not two thefts. Indeed, the act of taking multiple items from one residence constitutes one theft. Jackson v. Commonwealth, 670 S.W.2d 828, 832 (Ky.1984) (overruled on other grounds by Cooley v. Commonwealth, 821 S.W.2d 90 (Ky.1991)). Appellant pushed both ATVs through the fence and off the owner's property at the same moment. The fact that he had to temporarily abandon one of the ATVs during his escape is of no consequence, as the theft was already complete. Both ATVs were taken from the same place at the same time. See Fair v. Commonwealth, 652 S.W.2d 864, 867 (Ky.1983) (holding that only one theft conviction could stand where defendant took three items from building on same night, though items belonged to two different parties). One of the theft convictions must be vacated for this reason.