Daily Dunklin Democrat: Local News: Man pleads guilty to burglary (07/02/08)

Larry White

A local man was recently found guilty of burglary in the second degree, in connection with a break-in that occurred in the early morning hours of Jan. 17, 2007, at the accounting firm Robertson, Privett, Scherer, and Collins of Kennett.

According to Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Sokoloff, it took only seven minutes in a Stoddard County court room for nine women and three men to determine that Larry David White was guilty of burglary, based on evidence and information presented in the trial.

Sokoloff said that in 2007, White had broken into the Kennett-based business and left DNA evidence at the scene, which was used to incriminate him when trying him in court.

The case originally opened in a Dunklin County court room, however, after five months of continuation of the case, White's lawyer made a request for a change of judge and venue which was granted.

The case was then moved to Stoddard County, under judge John M. Beaton.

According to court records, on June 27, White appeared with public defender Lesley Lynn, and a total of 12 jurors were selected and sworn in prior to the defense making its opening statement.

Evidence was then presented by Sokoloff on behalf of the state.

After presenting no evidence on behalf of the defendant, Lynn filed a motion for acquittal, which was overruled.

The state and defendant made closing arguments and the jury retired at 3:27 p.m. to consider its verdict.

The jury returned at 3:34 p.m., with a guilty verdict, which was accepted by the court.

A sentencing advisory report was ordered where the defendant is to remain in custody of the Stoddard County Jail pending sentencing which is set to take place at 9 a.m., July 25 in Stoddard County under judge John M. Beaton.