Clayton News Daily

By Michael Davis

The municipal shoplifting trial of a Henry County commissioner has been reset for the second time.

Stockbridge Municipal Court Clerk Billie Newton said the trial of District V Commissioner Lee Holman was moved to July 2 because of a scheduling conflict involving the attorneys in the case.

"It's really not unusual," Newton said.

The trial had been set for Friday following a previous postponement. Holman had been set to go before Judge Ernest Blount May 20.

Holman was arrested by Henry County Police Jan. 13 at the Stockbridge Wal-Mart and booked on a misdemeanor shoplifting charge.

He has maintained since his arrest that the incident was a misunderstanding.

A misdemeanor conviction carries a penalty of up to $1,000 fine and one year in jail.

Court Clerk Newton said that while it was not unusual to move cases because of attorney conflicts, Holman's case was set on a day when the court is not regularly in session.

"It's a special set court date but that's really because of the news media coverage," she said.

Newton said Stockbridge Municipal Court hears 200 to 250 cases a month with two regularly scheduled arraignment dates and one regular trial date per month.

Holman was sworn in as a county commissioner in January 2003 and earlier this year appointed as vice chairman of the board.