PSC critic arrested for alleged theft of Georgia Power information

Patty Durand speaks during the public comment period of a Georgia Public Service Commission hearing in October. She was later arrested for allegedly stealing confidential documents during the lunch break. (Georgia Public Service Commission via YouTube)

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A vocal critic of the Georgia Public Service Commission was arrested outside a hearing Tuesday, accused of stealing Georgia Power documents containing confidential information. The incident occurred as the commission considers the utility’s controversial request to expand natural gas plants and add new batteries to meet rising demand.



Capitol Police arrested activist and onetime Democratic commission candidate Patty Durand Tuesday afternoon after she was seen on video taking documents from a desk in the hearing room, according to the warrant for her arrest. She was booked into the Fulton County Jail on a charge of theft of trade secrets, a felony that carries a penalty of one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.