Opinion ID: 1349971
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Lawn Tractor.

Text: On July 6, 1984, Nelson Implement of Elk Point, South Dakota reported to law enforcement authorities that a Model 116 John Deere lawn tractor had been stolen from its lot. It could be identified by its unique serial number. The serial number was displayed on a metallic-looking serial number plate which was mounted with strong adhesive on the exterior of the tractor. The lawn tractor's engine also had a unique serial number. In addition, the lawn tractor had a unique number attached to the transaxle housing. This transaxle number was assigned to the specific Model 116 tractor owned by Nelson Implement. On November 10, 1987, the lawn tractor was recovered from Lodermeier's driveway. The external conspicuous serial number had been scraped off the tractor. Its engine number was still in place as was the unique transaxle number. Based on the transaxle number, law enforcement officers determined the lawn tractor was the one which had been stolen from Nelson Implement. Lodermeier was charged with violations of SDCL 22-30A-7 (receiving, retaining or disposing of stolen property) and SDCL 22-11-27 (possession of personal property with an altered or removed serial number). Mr. Nelson testified he had never authorized Lodermeier to use or possess this lawn tractor in any fashion or to remove or alter its serial numbers.