Jury acquits man of 1 felony, hangs on another in vending machine theft case

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Kern County jury has acquitted a man of a felony charge and hung on a second charge filed in connection with the theft of two vending machines, according to the Public Defender’s Office.

The jury on Thursday acquitted James Jennings of conspiracy to commit grand theft, according to a release from the office. It hung 10-2 in favor of not guilty on a charge of grand theft of property.

A mistrial was declared on the hung charge and a retrial date set in November, court records show.

It’s alleged Jennings and another person stole the vending machines Feb. 14, 2023, from an apartment complex on Beale Avenue, according to the release.

“Deputy Public Defender Julius Cruz argued the video evidence was inconclusive and Mr. Jennings, who steadfastly maintained his innocence, testified to his lack of involvement,” the release said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.