Former South Georgia Mayor Arrested…Again

A former mayor of a South Georgia town has been arrested. Again.

Linda Harris, the former mayor of Meigs in Thomas County, was arrested Tuesday after the sheriff discovered she gave false statements in court documents filed on March 16.

Harris filed an indigency affidavit and claimed she was unable to afford legal counsel, but the sheriff called her bluff citing Harris’ home ownership, vehicle, and local bank account.

Interestingly, Harris was sentenced on March 23 for previous charges of violating her oath of office and theft by taking. She stole $80 cash from City Hall while in office, citing “payment for services.” The March 23 sentencing left Harris with five years of probation, 90-180 days in a probation detention center, 200 hours of community service and a $2,500 fine.

During her tenure in office, Harris was forced from her post after 66% of residents voted in favor of a recall election. The succeeding interim city mayor was then arrested after changing the local police department locks in an attempt to singlehandedly fire the police chief without approval from the council or city manager – who quit.

Harris was also arrested in 2014 for disorderly conduct after making threatening gestures and remarks toward fellow city officials, including the city clerk. Due to the pattern of behavior, another condition of the March 23rd sentencing was Harris’ banishment from City Hall.

Perhaps that will help governmental affairs in Meigs settle down.