Jury Finds Coroner Guilty

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Sources tell Fetch Your News that a Superior Court jury found Lumpkin County Coroner Ronald Fortner guilty of theft by deception and violation of his oath of office Friday evening.

Fortner has been sentenced to 15 years with three to serve in jail and 12 years on probation. He will have to pay a $31,750 fine plus court costs and $3,175 restitution to county with early termination after 10 years if all money is paid.

With the conviction, Fortner has left his office and reports are that Governor Nathan Deal has appointed deputy coroner Frank Goss to replace him.