Georgia Supreme Court Examines Riding Lawn Mower Case

It's got four wheels and a powerful engine. It can hit speeds of up to 40 mph.

But is a riding lawn mower technically a motor vehicle?

That argument is at the center of an unusual appeal before the Georgia Supreme Court Monday seeking to cut short the prison term of a man sentenced to 10 years after he was convicted of felony motor vehicle theft for swiping a riding mower.

The court's decision could help clarify what lawyers say is a murky definition for "motor vehicles" that may or may not extend to golf carts, industrial equipment and even racecars.

On the Net: http://www.gasupreme.us

(Associated Press)

More theft charges for state worker

A Georgia Tech employee convicted of stealing state funds faces new theft charges. Cobb County police say they think Donna Gamble stole money from a middle school marching band. A warrant says Gamble is suspected of taking nearly $12,000 while she was treasurer of the Marietta Middle School band boosters in 2006. The 43-year-old is serving a 32-month sentence in a Florida prison after admitting to a five-year spending spree of more than $300,000 in personal expenses on her university credit card.

(Associated Press)

Theft and forgery charges for former city attorney

A former west Georgia city attorney has turned himself in on theft and forgery charges. A Carroll County grand jury indicted former Temple City Attorney Charles A. Thomas. He faces 54 charges including theft by taking and first degree forgery. Some of the charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred as far back as 2002.

Henry Co. food bank truck, food stolen

The operator of a food bank in Henry County is wondering why someone would steal thousands of pounds of food.

The heist of the 25-foot truck that held 6,500 pounds of food items occurred Sept. 15.

Lori Miller, executive director of Helping in His Name Ministries, said she was heartbroken by the theft. The food was to be given to people in need of assistance.

Miller said the food pantry has seen a growing demand for their services from struggling families.

The food bank, located in Stockbridge, serves an average of 2,400 people a week.

Police said no arrests were made.

(The Associated Press)

Local sheriff candidate faces charges, still running

A candidate for Candler County sheriff will not have to answer to theft charges until after the November 4th general election. James Ausbon was released on $5,000 bond after turning himself in to Bryan County authorities on theft by taking charges. Ausbon told the Statesboro Herald he is being investigated for misuse of a company credit card belonging to a former employer. He says he did use the card for personal reasons, but did not think it was illegal. He was fired by the company, Oldcastle PreCast in Pembroke, earlier this month. Ausbon says he will continue his election bid for Candler County sheriff.

Thieves hit south Georgia storage units

South Georgia authorities are working to solve a string of burglaries. According to the Turner County Sheriff's office, over the past six months thieves have hit storage units in Turner and Tift counties. One tip recently led authorities to the recovery of thousands of dollars in stolen goods. Two people were arrested with additional arrests expected.