Linda Mask pleaded not guilty to first-degree theft of property in Circuit Judge William Hollingsworth’s court. At her request, Hollingsworth declared her indigent and named Larry Johnson as her court-appointed attorney.
Mask, who was released on bond shortly after her arrest, declined to comment on the case. Sylacauga Police investigators arrested her March 3 following an investigation into a misuse of funds for the shelter and its board, the Animal Rescue Foundation.
The charge of first-degree theft of property is for a theft exceeding $2,500. It is a Class B felony, and anyone convicted under the statute can be sentenced to a jail term of 2-20 years.
Kelvin Mackie of Sylacauga also pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree assault in front of Hollingsworth.
Mackie was charged in connection to the July 5 traffic collision with Sgt. Tommy Allen. Alabama State Troopers arrested Mackie Aug. 4 after an investigation into the crash by the Department of Public Safety’s Traffic Homicide Unit.
A public information officer for the troopers said on the day of arrest that alcohol was involved in the wreck, which enhanced the assault charges to first-degree. According to a department release the same day, Mackie traveled east in the westbound lane of U.S. 280 around 5:23 a.m. when his 2006 Honda crashed into Allen’s cruiser.
Allen’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side door and emergency responders pried the door off to remove him. He was released from the hospital following multiple surgeries and continues to recover at home.
Mackie and Mask were both scheduled to next appear in court Jan. 25.
Contact Matt Quillen at mquillen@dailyhome.com.
