A career criminal who stole from a convenience store then assaulted the clerk who confronted him has been convicted.
Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen's Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against Carlton Edward Smith, 56, was for burglary, assault, and theft.
The DA's office said Judge Bob McGee set the case for sentencing on Feb. 15.
Assistant District Attorneys TaKisha Fitzgerald and Ashley McDermott explained to the jury at trial that Smith entered the Pilot on Western Avenue and was repeatedly told by store employees that he could now come in over the span of several months in early 2017.
On April 8, 2017, Smith entered the store again but this time he began yelling at customers, took merchandise, and tried to leave again without paying. An employee told him to leave and instead of leaving, he punched them in the face, according to the DA's office.
Smith was knocked to the floor and the employee was able to restrain him even as Smith reached for a knife in his pocket. Knoxville Police Department Officers David Gerlach and Alan Meisheid responded and took Smith into custody.
According to the district attorney's office, Smith has dozens of prior convictions dating back to 1980 including seven prior felony convictions for aggravated assault, theft, and drug dealing offenses. At sentencing, Smith faces twelve years in prison.
