By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
COFFEE COUNTY, Ala. — A former Houston County Sheriff’s Office deputy is facing another felony theft charge after authorities arrested him in connection with the alleged theft of a lawn mower in Coffee County.
According to court records, 41-year-old Chris Summerlin, who previously served as an investigator with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, has been charged with first-degree theft of property. Investigators allege he stole a zero-turn lawn mower valued at approximately $6,000 from an individual in Elba.
The latest charge comes about two years after Summerlin was arrested in a separate theft case while serving as an investigator with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
In that earlier case, prosecutors alleged Summerlin stole approximately $2,200 in cash that had been seized as evidence during the investigation of a bank robbery in Ashford. The allegations led to criminal charges and his departure from the sheriff’s office.
The new Coffee County case is unrelated to the previous investigation.
First-degree theft of property is a felony offense under Alabama law. As the case moves through the court system, the Dale County Chronicle will keep you informed of any updates as this story continues to unfold.
Summerlin, just like all suspects, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
