photo by: Kansas Department of Corrections

Joe Larry Hunter

A Lawrence man who represented himself at his own trial in Douglas County District Court was convicted of stealing from a local jewelry store.

Joe Larry Hunter, 52, of Lawrence, was originally charged with felony-level theft but ultimately convicted of one count of misdemeanor theft on Wednesday afternoon, according to a news release from the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office. Hunter’s jury trial began that morning.

The theft occurred Jan. 18, 2018, at Hurst Diamonds, 520 W. 23rd St. According to the release, the store manager reported that a man, later identified as Hunter, took a loose diamond and a gemstone valued at $1,696.00 from a display case inside the store. At trial, the prosecutor presented surveillance video showing Hunter reaching into a display case and removing the merchandise.

Hunter’s criminal background includes prison time in Kansas for past theft, forgery and other convictions, the Journal-World previously reported.

A few weeks before the Lawrence diamond store theft, Hunter filed to run for governor of Kansas. The day after the theft, he was arrested at his home.

In recent months, Hunter has filed pro se civil lawsuits against District Attorney Charles Branson, two assistant DAs, three district court judges and the city attorney.

At Hunter’s jury trial on Wednesday, Senior Judge Gunnar Sundby presided, according to the DA’s office. Hunter, who testified on his own behalf at his trial, had an appointed defense attorney on standby.

His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 17.