Why was the tourist in the watch case charged with receiving stolen property?

• A. Because the watch was likely stolen and the price/seller credibility were suspect
• B. Because the purchase was cash-only
• C. Because the buyer bought from a reputable dealer
• D. Because the buyer had a receipt

Answer: (A)

Receiving stolen property is charged when a person knowingly accepts or possesses property that is stolen, or when the circumstances make it reasonable to believe the property is stolen. In this scenario, the watch was obtained from a seller whose credibility was suspect and at a price that raised red flags. Those factors give a reasonable basis to think the item was stolen and that the buyer knew or should have known it was not legitimate. The other details—paying cash, buying from a dealer, or having a receipt—do not by themselves prove illegality or knowledge of theft, so they don’t support the charge as strongly as the suspicious circumstances around the transaction.