GEORGIA UNIVERITY COMPUTER STOLEN redandblack.com - Athens man arrested for theft of a Dell, marijuana possessionPublished , February 17, 2004, 06:00:01 AM EDT



A computer taken from the University's Forestry building was discovered along with a small amount of marijuana in an Athens man's home, said University Police Monday.

Steven Mark Garner, 25, of Johnson Drive, was arrested Feb. 12 after University Police searched his home and found the stolen and illegal items.

University Police said when they searched Garner's residence Feb. 11, they found a small, but undisclosed amount of marijuana in addition to the computer.

An Athens magistrate judge signed two warrants for Garner's arrest on charges of theft and misdemeanor possession of marijuana on Feb. 12

Mark Cherry, manager of information resources at the Warnell School of Forestry Resources, initially reported the computer theft on Jan. 13.

He told police the equipment was taken between Dec. 29, 2003 and Jan. 12, 2004.

The computer, a Dell desktop, was taken along with the monitor, keyboard and mouse, all valued at $2,200.

"It was good investigative work," said Jimmy Williamson, assistant University Police chief.

Although Williamson congratulated his staff, he declined to provide exact information on what pointed them toward Garner as a possible suspect.

Garner was discharged from the Athens-Clarke County Jail on Friday, said Renee Durie, a jail spokeswoman.

He posted $6,000 bond, she said.

Cherry was unavailable for comment as of press time Monday night