Former commissioner pleads guilty to theft

Published 6:11 pm Thursday, March 5, 2020

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A former Covington County Commissioner pleaded guilty this week to stealing campaign signs of a current county commissioner.

Bragg Carter, 66, pleaded guilty to theft of property fourth degree on Tuesday.

Carter was sentenced to 30 days in jail, but the sentence was suspended on the following conditions:

• Good behavior for 24 months;

• Not to violate any state laws;

• Pay $100 in fines on Tuesday, plus court costs.

Carter appeared before District Judge Julie Moody.

Carter was accused and charged with stealing campaign signs belonging to Joe Barton on Jan. 26, around 11:30 a.m., at Friendship Pecan Company.

According to the deposition, Carter was video removing Barton’s signs.

The value of Barton’s signs did not exceed $500.

Barton said that he feels it hurt his campaign in some places.

“In some places, it looked like I wasn’t working,” he said. “I want people to know that’s not the case.”

Carter served 16 years as commissioner in District 2.