An Ohio appeals court has upheld the theft conviction of former Republican state representative Steve Kraus.
The auctioneer from Sandusky says he's considering his options, including further appeals. The 58-year-old Kraus was convicted in 2015 of taking antiques from a home without the owner's permission and was sentenced to two years' probation. He insisted he had permission to examine the items and blamed political enemies for the case. Kraus' appeal argued a statement from a new witness supported his position. But the court wasn't persuaded the witness provided clear and convincing evidence that might have altered the outcome at trial. The court also says the appeal was filed too late under court rules.
