HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man who at one time operated a convenience store entered a plea in the criminal case against him

Chris Patel was accused of selling items he believed were stolen from Dillons and being in possession of K-2.

Chris Patel was charged with possession of K-2 with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school, no drug tax stamp, and possession of stolen property. He entered pleas to possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, possession of stolen property and possession of marijuana.

Police say Patel, the owner of the Zip Trip store located at 200 E. Ave. A, was purchasing what he believed to be stolen goods from a member of Kroger’s organized retail crime unit. The stolen goods included cases of Red Bull energy drinks, Tide laundry detergent and cigarettes.

Patel had made numerous purchases, then stored the items in another building. The items were secretly marked and eventually showed up in his store. A search warrant of Patel’s home turned up more items as well as 45 bags of K-2.

Patel remains free on bond and sentencing in the case is set for August 12.