Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District / May 11, 2021
State of Missouri, Respondent, v. Nathaniel James Frakes, Appellant.
Nathaniel Frakes was convicted by a jury of first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle after he drove a car belonging to his girlfriend's stepfather without permission. On appeal, Frakes argued there was insufficient evidence to prove he knowingly operated the vehicle without consent, claiming he believed his girlfriend had permission. The appellate court affirmed the conviction, finding that testimony from multiple witnesses explicitly informing Frakes he was not allowed to use the vehicle provided sufficient evidence for a reasonable juror to conclude he acted knowingly.