Former Berry College official indicted on theft charges

ROME - A former Berry College land resources director was indicted Friday on theft charges of nearly $400,000 for allegedly defrauding the college in several property transactions, officials said. <br> <br> The 24-count indictment charges Bob Parker, who was responsible for acquiring property for the college, of defrauding Berry in land dealings and timber operations from 1990 to 1998, the Rome News-Tribune reported Saturday. <br> <br> Parker turned himself in Friday and was released after posting $50,000 bail from the Floyd County Jail. <br> <br> According to the indictment, Parker arranged with land buyers to buy property and arranged false appraisals to inflate the value before recommending the land to Berry. In return, Parker allegedly received a cut of the sale for advising the college to but the property. <br> <br> District Attorney Bryant Speed said the investigation is continuing.