Stickland goes to trial in January

Barring any delays or continuations, local businessman and former Franklin County Commissioner David Strickland will go to trial to face charges of felony theft by deception and exploitation of an elderly person on Jan. 22, 2018.

The case will be heard by the Franklin County Superior Court.

Strickland was indicted in early December 2016 by a Franklin County Grand Jury.

He turned himself in to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and was released on a $10,000 bond.

According to count one of the indictment, in January 2016 Strickland allegedly used deceptive practices to buy property at 2410 Starrs Bridge Road in Canon, which at the time was owned by an elderly couple identified in the indictment as Frankie and Patsy Sosby.

The indictment alleges Strickland used quote, “deceitful means and artful practice” by telling the couple they had to sell the property to his wife in order to avoid losing their home, rather than filing bankruptcy.

Strickland then allegedly kept the proceeds of the sale of the Sosby property.

Count two of the indictment alleges Strickland used the Sosby’s Social Security payments, and the property for his own personal gain and then charged the Sosby’s $500 a month rent to stay in their home, when bankruptcy would have allowed them to keep their home and their Social Security payments.

Strickland is the owner of Strickland & Associates, an insurance brokerage company with offices in Royston and Lavonia.

He served as a Franklin County commissioner for four years before vacating the seat last year to run for County Commission Chair.