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Couple accused of plotting Craigslist scam
Published February 1, 2009
WALTON COUNTY — More than eight years ago, Stephanie Lemmonds was the matron of honor in Tamera Harvey’s wedding.
Last week, Lemmonds, 32, and her husband James, 34, both of 3331 High Shoals Road in Bishop, were arrested, accused of using popular clearinghouse Web site www.craigslist.org to invite strangers to Harvey’s house to take construction equipment from her garage. More than $20,000 of items were stolen and Harvey hasn’t got any of it back.
“I want them in hell,” Harvey said of her former friends.
The Nov. 8 theft has left Harvey’s husband without many of the tools he used for work. To make matters worse, in September, her 17-year-old son Christopher Limbaugh fell off Jack’s Creek Bridge in an alcohol-related incident. The fall left the teen paralyzed from the waist down and Harvey and her family with tens of thousands of medical bills.
Harvey said her friendship with the Lemmonds has “fallen apart” in recent years.
“You can hate people, but my son’s health was in the balance,” Harvey said. “What did they get out of this? I’d just like to know what’s in their mind.”
Media attention brought many people out to help Harvey and her family. One person said they would help make the bathroom handicap accessible for her son. Others pledged to organize a benefit for Christopher. While many promises were made, none were kept, Harvey said.
No one has returned the equipment either, Harvey said.
Police told Harvey they were able to connect the Lemmonds to the alleged crime by analysing computer records.
The Lemmonds were both charged with computer forgery, financial identity fraud, two counts of theft by taking and criminal trespass.
James Lemmonds made his $16,500 bond Jan. 26 and his wife Stephanie posted her $18,000 bond Jan. 28, according to Walton County Sheriff’s Office officials.
The Harveys are asking anyone who might know where their equipment may be to call 706-372-1051.
“If you have my stuff, you are a victim yourself,” Harvey said.
Donations can be made to help the family with Cristopher's medical bills through an account in Harvey’s name at any BB&T.
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