A middle Georgia man is free on bond after turning himself in to Hall County authorities in connection with a “pine straw scam” that cost an elderly man $3,000.
HALL CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE NARRATIVE:
“A Talbotton, GA, man recently turned himself in at the Hall County Jail to face charges stemming from a pine straw scam he carried out in Hall County late last year.
Janivis Quondez Wimbush, 32, was booked into jail on Wednesday morning, Feb. 21, on charges of exploitation of an elder person and theft by deception, both felonies.
According to the preliminary Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) investigation, Wimbush quoted the victim, an 83-year-old man, $6 per bale to spread 120 bales of pine straw on the man’s Northwest Hall County property on the afternoon of Dec. 22. When the work was complete, Wimbush tried to charge the victim nearly $4,800. Wimbush became upset when questioned about the price. Fearing for his safety, the victim paid Wimbush a negotiated $3,000, or approximately $25 per bale.
The case remains under investigation. Wimbush was released from jail on $31,700 bond Wednesday afternoon.”