Gun theft nets probation time

A Jefferson City man has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the theft of three guns in December 2016.

Semaj Harris, 20, was charged with three counts of receiving stolen property.

Cole County Judge Dan Green placed Harris on five years of supervised probation and ordered to pay $1,875 in restitution.

The incident occurred at a residence in the 1200 block of East Elm Street, according to a Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statement.

Harris went to the location to possibly purchase several firearms. He and two other individuals were looking at some guns while the victim went downstairs.

That's when, according to a relative of the victim, Harris and the others quickly left the home with the guns in their possession.

The witness tried to chase the two unknown suspects but couldn't catch them. He was, however, able to see Harris running out of the house and into some woods.