Nicholson mayor turns himself in to authorities

NICHOLSON — A week after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation started a probe into the finances of the town of Nicholson, the mayor turned himself in to the GBI Wednesday morning.

GBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Ayers confirmed the development with Mayor Ronnie Maxwell. He faces charges of theft by taking, according to Ayers.

The GBI began an investigation into misuse of SPLOST money at the request of Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum and District Attorney Brad Smith.

Maxwell has been the target of allegations that he used SPLOST money to pave a private driveway that belongs to his mother; he has claimed the road is a public city road.

Ayers said the investigation is continuing.