Man arrested in theft ring case

HENAGAR, Ala. - A Henagar man was arrested Thursday by the U.S. Marshals Service in Tulsa, Okla., on warrants related to an automobile theft/chop shop ring, a news release states.

Phillip Glenn Clanton, 43, is wanted in Jackson County, Ala., for violation of the sex offender community notification act (vacating residence), receiving stolen property first degree, theft of property first degree (four counts) and probation violation.

Clanton is a convicted sex offender after a rape conviction in Jackson County in 2008, the release from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office said.

He was out on bond for violation of the sex offender community notification act (obscuring driver's license) and wanted in connection with an automobile theft /chop shop ring operating in Jackson and DeKalb counties in Alabama and in Wilson County, Tenn.

Arrangements are being made to have Clanton extradited to Jackson County.

The ring is suspected in the thefts of several vehicles and equipment from Jackson and DeKalb counties, authorities said. About $70,000 in stolen property was recovered during the investigation.

Other arrests are expected in Alabama and Tennessee, according to authorities.

Woman guilty in oatmeal attack

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Karen Jeffries says she threw hot oatmeal at her husband when he lunged to attack her.

Douglas Jeffries told the jury in Clarksville he was asleep in a recliner when his wife dumped a pot of hot oatmeal onto him, causing second- and third-degree burns.

The Leaf-Chronicle reported that, after deliberating for more than three hours Thursday, a Montgomery County Circuit Court jury found Karen Jeffries guilty of reckless aggravated assault.

Judge John Gasaway will sentence her May 14. The sentence range is two to four years.

Student reports attack by mime

ATHENS, Ga. - A University of Georgia student told police she was attacked by a woman who appeared dressed as a mime.

Police said the attack on West Broad Street Wednesday was stopped by a passer-by.

The Athens Banner-Herald reported the man who was passing by chased after the suspect and held her until he was assisted by two state probation officers in the area.

Athens-Clarke County Jail records show that 37-year-old Stephanie Christine Walker, of Athens, is facing a battery charge. The records do not indicate whether Walker has an attorney.

The student, who had a bruise on her face, told police she had parked her car and was walking to class about 11 a.m. when she says Walker approached, grabbed her ponytail, started hitting her and pushed her to the ground.