Former Gilmer County Commissioner Chairman Pleads Guilty

Jerry Farist pled guilty with an Alford plea to theft by taking this morning.Under the Alford plea, the defendant admits that sufficient evidence exists with which the prosecution could likely convince a judge or jury to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mr. Farist was facing up to fifteen years in the state penitentiary and $100,000 if he was found guilty by a jury.

Terms of the deal include five years of probation, no guns in his possession, can not hold elected office and a fine of $1,000. After completing one year without any trouble probation ends. Under the first offender status Mr. Farist’s record will be wiped clean.