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Donald Shepherd's Grand Theft Auto Case Extended

Almost a year after being arrested, former mayoral candidate Donald Shepherd’s grand theft auto case will continue into October.

Shepherd’s attorney, John Broling of the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, appeared on behalf of his client for a case management hearing Thursday. Broling said that Shepherd’s appearance was waived.

In January, Shepherd was arrested on a charge of grand theft auto. Since March, there have been six case management conferences, according to court records. In April, Shepherd wrote a letter requesting a new attorney. Circuit Judge Mark Moseley denied Shepherd’s request in May.

Shepherd’s case was one of the many that Judge Moseley presided over. Broling requested a sidebar with the judge when Shepherd’s case was called, and the state attorney joined him. Their conversation was distorted by static to remain private.

Broling wouldn’t comment on the issues of the case or on Shepherd to WUFT News. The reason why the proceedings today were private is yet to be determined.

Shepherd’s next court date will be another case management conference on Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.

Shepherd was a candidate for City of Gainesville mayor at the time of his arrest in January. He also ran for mayor in 2013, placing sixth behind incumbent Ed Braddy and four other candidates.  In March, Lauren Poe beat Braddy and Shepherd in the mayor's race.

Janiece is a reporter for WUFT News. She can be reached at news@wuft.org or 352-392-6397.