Charges: Fulton code officer stole campaign signs
A Fulton County code enforcement officer was arrested Monday and charged with stealing campaign signs in the Douglas County sheriff's race, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Marnita Jonta Ballard declined to comment to Channel 2 as she was led away in handcuffs after being arrested at the Fulton County Government Center on Fulton Industrial Boulevard.
Douglas County Sheriff's Investigator Trent Wilson told Channel 2 that he was out with his family Saturday when he saw a youngster jump out of a truck Ballard was driving, grab a campaign sign from the side of the road and toss it in the back of the vehicle.
"She saw me get the tag number," Wilson said. "She pulled up beside me and asked me why was I following her, and I said, 'Well, was that your property?' She said no. I said, 'Well I work for the sheriff's office,' and she said, 'Well, I work for the government,' and pulled off."
The signs were for the re-election of Wilson's boss, Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller.
Later Monday, Douglas Sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at Ballard's Lithia Springs home.
"We found 50 or 60 stands to signs and we found more political signs out of another county," Wilson said. "Through the investigation, we believe she took about 50 or 60 signs."
The 39-year-old Ballard was charged with misdemeanor theft and booked into Douglas County jail. She posted bond and was released from jail Tuesday, Channel 2 reported.
Fulton County Police Chief Cassandra Jones said her department is investigating and is cooperating with Douglas County authorities.
