Former DeKalb County commissioner pleads guilty to theft charge

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A former DeKalb County commissioner has pleaded guilty to misappropriating funds on Wednesday. 

Stanley Watson, 63, was charged with theft by conversion for misusing money intended for business travel. The charge against Watson dates back to January 2016, which is when he served as the District 7 Commissioner.

Watson will serve 12 months probation and will need to complete 150 hours of community service.

Prosecutors said Watson received a $3,000 advance for travel expenses, but he resigned before the trip and kept the money until paying it back a year later. 

Watson was indicted last June and turned himself in at the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office following the indictment. He was booked into the DeKalb County Jail and released on a $5,000 bond, pending trial.

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