Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 22, 1995 TAG: 9503220089
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
RICHMOND - The Virginia Court of Appeals reversed a Buchanan County supervisor's felony conviction of misusing public funds, ruling that the supervisor had no authority over the money.
Arvil Ray Ratliff was one of 11 Buchanan officials, including the entire seven-member Board of Supervisors, indicted on embezzlement and related charges in 1991. All but Ratliff entered plea agreements.
Ratliff, who originally was indicted on 34 counts, was convicted on two counts. A separate embezzlement conviction had been upheld by the state appeals court.
The conviction that was reversed Tuesday stemmed from an alleged mileage reimbursement scheme. Ratliff submitted a mileage voucher for payment for 2,196 miles he claimed to have traveled over three months.
Schoolgirl hit by car
LYNCHBURG - A 9-year-old girl was struck by a car and seriously injured as she crossed the street to get on a school bus Tuesday morning.
Elena S. Stern was in critical condition in a neurological intensive-care unit. Her mother was watching from the curb as she began crossing the street and was hit, authorities said.
David DeMoss, 87, of Lynchburg, has been charged with reckless driving, according to police.
Judge hospitalized
CHARLOTTESVILLE - Judge Bernard G. Barrow of the Virginia Court of Appeals was in a coma Tuesday at Martha Jefferson Hospital after suffering a heart attack and crashing his car, authorities said.
Tests are scheduled to determine the extent of injuries to the 57-year-old judge, his secretary said.
Hospital spokeswoman Ann Nickels declined to discuss Barrow's condition because of the family's request for privacy.
by CNB