Jury Convicts Lawrence Man of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle and Theft

10/19/2011
Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces yesterday afternoon a jury convicted Lawrence resident Dennis O. Johnson, 45, of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle and Theft. On Friday, May 2 at approximately 11:30 p.m. officers with the Lawrence Police Department were dispatched to an automobile burglary which had just occurred in the 3500 block of Clinton Parkway. The victim had parked his semi truck and trailer behind a business to make a delivery. While the victim was making the delivery, Johnson entered the cab of the truck and took two bags containing the victim's personal items. Johnson then fled the area in a vehicle. Two witnesses provided a description of Johnson, and the vehicle he left the area, in to Lawrence police officers. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes later, officers conducted a car stop of the described vehicle. The driver, Johnson, matched the description of the suspect and several items of the victim's property were clearly visible in the car. The trial began Monday, closing arguments were delivered Tuesday afternoon and the jury deliberated for about an hour and half before returning its verdict. The Honorable Paula B. Martin presided over the case. The Lawrence Police Department investigated the case and Assistant District Attorney Debby Moody prosecuted it. The judge ordered a pre-sentence investigation be completed and scheduled a sentencing hearing for November 18 at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Johnson faces 5-17 months for the most serious charge, Burglary of a Motor Vehicle. CONTACT INFO: Charles Branson Douglas County District Attorney 785-841-0211 cbranson@douglas-county.com -30-

Related Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/douglascountyda
Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/DouglasCountyDA

Media Contact:
Cheryl L. Wright - Assistant to the District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
785-841-0211
cwright@douglas-county.com