Opinion ID: 1773733
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Elements of Retaining Stolen Property Include Proof of Scienter

Text: This Court agrees with Mr. Langdon that the state failed to present sufficient evidence to permit a reasonable juror to find beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed the offense of retaining stolen property in violation of section 570.080. That statute states in relevant part that [a] person commits the crime of receiving stolen property if for the purpose of depriving the owner of a lawful interest therein, he receives, retains or disposes of property of another knowing that it has been stolen, or believing that it has been stolen. Sec. 570.080 (emphasis added). In resolving this issue, it is important to keep in mind that Mr. Langdon is not charged with theft of the gun, but with retaining a stolen gun. The cases require that, to convict a person under section 570.080 for retaining stolen property, the state must show that: (1) defendant retained the property that was stolen; (2) defendant exercised dominion over the property by retaining it; (3) defendant knew or believed that the property was stolen; and (4) defendant intended to deprive the owner of a lawful interest in the property. Sec. 570.080; State v. Bird, 1 S.W.3d 62, 63-64 (Mo.App. E.D.1999). Accordingly, the verdict director below stated: If you find and believe from the evidence beyond a reasonable doubt: First, that on or about March 31, 2000, in the County of St. Charles, State of Missouri, the defendant retained a Smith & Wesson Model 915 9mm Semi-Automatic pistol, serial # VCH1210, and Second, that the Smith & Wesson Model 915 9mm Semi-Automatic pistol, serial # VCH1210 was the property of another, and Third, that at the time defendant retained this property, he knew or believed it had been stolen, and Fourth, that defendant retained the property for the purpose of withholding it from the owner permanently, and Fifth, that the property had a value of at least one hundred fifty dollars, then you will find the defendant guilty of receiving stolen property. .... Mr. Langdon did not contest the portions of the verdict director submitting that the 9-mm Smith and Wesson was stolen, that it had a value of over $150, and that it was found in the dresser drawer. He did contest the other issues submitted, however. In particular, he argued that there was insufficient evidence to show that the bedroom or dresser in which the gun was found belonged to him; thus, the state did not prove possession. Further, he argues, the state failed to make a submissible case on elements three and four of the crime, which require proof not only that he possessed the gun, but also that he knew or believed it was stolen and intended to deprive the owner of it.