Trial to begin for former animal shelter director

CLAYTON - The woman accused of taking money meant to support shelter animals in Rabun County is set to go on trial Monday, May 12.

Lowanda 'Peanut' Kilby is the former director of the Boggs Mountain Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter that is now closed.

Kilby was the subject of a 60-count grand jury indictment in September. That indictment accused Kilby of 29 separate acts each of computer theft and theft by taking, as well as a count of theft by taking and a violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

The indictment alleges Kilby used computers to fraudulently take donations via Pay Pal intended for the shelter's Lucky Dog/Lucky Kitty program. The money collected apparently was diverted into her personal bank account.

Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brian Rickman said last month he believes the trial will be a lengthy one, possibly lasting as long as two weeks.