JAMES AARON LOWE, d/o/b: 08-26-1973, of Branson, Missouri, was found guilty on Monday, August 14th, of one count of felony stealing. A nine (9) woman, three (3) man jury deliberated for just over an hour before reaching the verdict. Christian County Associate Circuit Judge Doug Bacon, who presided over the trial, scheduled Lowe’s sentencing for October 13, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Tony Brown presented evidence that on April 23, 2016, Lowe stole $42.43 worth of gasoline from White Oak Station, in Forsyth.
While stealing of this nature is ordinarily a misdemeanor, Lowe had no fewer than two (2) prior stealing-related offenses in the last ten (10) years, enhancing these charges to the class D felony of stealing 3rd offense. Furthermore, Lowe was also found to be a prior and persistent felony offender, as he has had two prior felony findings of guilt, further enhancing the range of punishment for this offense. Lowe is facing a maximum of seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections and a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000).