FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2006
(Columbia, SC) A Pickens County jury has returned a guilty verdict against a logging contractor accused of theft. Milford Ezekial Watson, 74, was sentenced to 18 months incarceration plus a $5,000 fine.
Forestry Commission agents arrested Watson in April, 2004, on charges of stealing $5000 worth of timber from an Easley landowner. During the two-day trial, jurors heard testimony that Watson initially tried to buy the trees. When his offer was refused, he cut the timber anyway.
Upon announcing the sentence, Circuit Judge John C. Few then reduced Watson’s penalties to 90 days of in-home detention, a $2000 fine, five years probation, and payment of $5000 in restitution.
Forestry agents say timber theft and timber fraud cost South Carolina landowners millions of dollars each year. To report timber transaction crimes, contact Forestry Commission law enforcement, 803-896-8820.
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