High Cotton Farm
A Georgia boarding stable operator pleaded guilty to multiple counts of theft for stealing and selling boarders’ horses.
Angela Merrell, 20, of Waleska accepted a deal for first-time offenders in Cherokee County Superior Court this week. Merrell pleaded guilty to two felony counts of theft by deception, two counts of livestock theft, misdemeanor theft by deception, and theft by taking.
Cherokee County Assistant District Attorney John Tully told the Marietta Daily Journal that Merrell would board horses at her parent’s High Cotton Farm only to sell them. He added she would misrepresent the horse’s age and condition.
Merrell also offered horse camps for children.
Merrell faced up to 32 years in prison but will serve 10 years probation. She must meet conditions of her plea, which include paying more than $8800 in restitution to her victims. Merrell must also complete a mental health evaluation and can’t work with animals or horses she doesn’t own.
Merrell has previous arrests in other counties.
For more go to the Marietta Daily Journal
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