RAPID CITY, S.D. – Beef jerky was the subject of tensions between a defense attorney and the prosecution at a recent hearing in the Pennington County courthouse.
Kesean Stinson is accused of pulling a box cutter on someone who tried to intervene when he allegedly stole alcohol from a Rapid City Walmart in May.
Stinson is currently out on bond and prosecuting attorneys argued his bond should be revoked due to allegations Stinson stole beef jerky from a Common Cents gas station July 31.
Stinson’s attorney raised her voice, saying the allegation hadn’t been brought to her attention until the hearing. Judge Matt Brown said this was also his first time hearing about it. Stinson’s attorney argued the beef jerky theft claim came out of nowhere and revoking his bond would be presuming Stinson guilty until he proves his innocence.
The prosecutors countered, saying an allegation of theft would be grounds to revoke Stinson’s bond. Stinson’s defense attorney said the prosecution was trying to put Stinson back in jail for supposedly trying to feed his children.
“How do you know he was trying to feed his children?” a prosecutor asked.
Multiple individuals in the courtroom awaiting their own hearings laughed loudly as the argument escalated.
Judge Brown ultimately calmed the situation down, instructing the attorneys to address the allegations but not each other. Brown said he understood the prosecution’s argument but decided not to revoke Stinson’s bond.
Stinson’s case is scheduled to continue with a motions hearing December 19.
