After he allegedly pick pocketed a wallet, Edward Harris was found guilty of grand larceny in the fourth degree by a New York County Supreme Court jury and was sentenced to 15 years to life as a "persistent felony offender."
On appeal to the Appellate Division, First Department, Harris claimed he should have been charged with petit larceny.
Although Harris claimed the wallet had been discarded by the owner, the appellate court didn't believe his recitation of the events--particularly since he was seen fleeing from the scene "immediately after the theft."
The poor guy never had a ghost of a chance!
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: People v. Harris