Three arrested in Avon white-collar investigation

AVON - Three officials of an Edwards-based telecommunications and computer company have been arrested in a two-year white-collar crime investigation. <br> <br> Global Communications officials Greg Casady, 37; his wife Melinda, 36; and business partner Donal Knox, 26, have been charged with stealing trade secrets and other proprietary information including customer lists from Telcor of Duluth, Ga., where they used to work. <br> <br> ``Greg and Dan were the top salespeople for Telcor,&#39;&#39; attorney Kevin Taylor, who represents the three suspects, said Wednesday. ``The charges are driven by a disgruntled employer trying to put pressure on these people, who are now competitors.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> He said his clients never signed a no-compete agreement with Telcor. <br> <br> The three were employed by Telcor for two years before starting Global Communications, which buys and sells used computer telecommunications equipment around the world. <br> <br> Avon police Detective Michael Leake said the investigation started when Telcor filed a complaint in March 2000. Authorities searched Global Communications offices and the Casady&#39;s home in Wildridge, seizing computers, a credit card and documents. Telcor officials examined the information to see if any of it was their company&#39;s property, Leake said. <br> <br> Casady, manager of international sales for Telcor, and Knox, are charged with computer crime, theft of trade secrets and conspiracy to commit computer crime. <br> <br> Melissa Casady faces those charges as well as unauthorized use of a Telcor credit card. <br> <br> The three are free after posting bonds of $100,000 each.