GFC announces timber theft-related charge against Eastman agent

The Georgia Forestry Commission says Christoper Bradley Branch was arrested September 1 and charged with failure to pay for natural products or chattels.

EASTMAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A registered agent for an Eastman forestry company faces a timber theft-related charge connected to a harvesting transaction, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

In a news release Thursday, the GFC said its law enforcement officers arrested Christoper Bradley Branch on September 1. Branch is a registered agent for Branch Forestry Co. LLC.

The GFC says Branch is charged with failure to pay for natural products or chattels. According to the release, a conviction carries at least one year and up to five years in prison.

The release didn’t provide details about the timber transaction or the amount of money involved but did say a court date hasn’t been announced.

Landowners can report suspected timber theft through the GFC Timber Hotline at 1-800-GA-TREES, or 1-800-428-7337.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.