Oehler

William A. Oehler appeals from a probation order, deemed a final judgment, based on his jury-tried conviction on two counts of grand theft.

The grand jury indicted Oehler on three counts of grand theft (Pen. Code, § 487), one count of forgery (Pen. Code, § 470), and eight counts of violating the Corporate Securities Law (Corp. Code, § 26104, subd. (a)). During Oehler’s jury trial the court directed verdicts of acquittal on one of the grand theft counts and on the forgery count. The court also found Oehler not guilty on one of the corporate securities violation charges. The jury acquitted Oehler on all other charges except the two remaining grand theft counts.

Oehler promoted an oil exploration venture in an oil field near Bakersfield. He formed a group of investors which he described as a joint venture. He sold interests in the oil venture to members of this group. The sale of these interests gave rise to the charges Oehler violated the California Corporate Securities Law of which he was acquitted.

Oehler’s group entered into a turnkey contract with Kernco Drilling Company calling for an oil well to be drilled to 1,850 feet. At 1,850 feet the well was still dry. The…