ATLANTA - Lawyers for former state Sen. Ralph David Abernathy III are trying to force the state parole board to surrender evidence that may be used against him in a parole revocation hearing. <br>
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Steven Jay Strelzik and Bruce Harvey filed suit Monday in Superior Court, saying they need the information to defend Abernathy. <br>
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Superior Court Judge Alice Bonner is scheduled to rule on Abernathy's petition Thursday morning. <br>
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Abernathy is being held in the Fulton County Jail after being accused last month of violating his parole on a theft conviction. Parole officials say he fraudulently collected $35,000 from two women with false promises that he could get early prison relief for a friend or relative. <br>
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Abernathy had been out of prison since May 2001. He was convicted of theft and related charges involving false expense vouchers submitted to the state. If his parole is revoked, he could be sent back to prison until January 2004.
