Second clerk sentenced for underage beer sale
By Elizabeth Billips Associate Editor

A second convenience store clerk was slapped with a $1,000 fine and 12 months probation for selling beer to a 17-yearold.

Gitaben DeSai, who works at her husband's North Liberty Street store, DJ Petro, appeared in municipal court Monday, along with the two officers and the teenage informant who all testified against her.

"I went in, grabbed a sixpack, sat it on the counter and she rang me up," the teen told Municipal Court Judge Percy Blount, adding that the two officers watched from another vehicle outside.

DeSai did not make any statements, but her husband told the judge it was a "busy time" in the store when the purchase was made.

After finding her guilty, Judge Blount handed DeSai a sentence identical to that of a McTeer Food and Fuel clerk who pleaded guilty to the same charge last month.

With the case disposed, Waynesboro City Council will now review DJ Petro's license to sell beer and wine, most likely at their Aug. 20 meeting. Council members have the authority to suspend or revoke the license for the violation - or as with the last case, issue a reprimand.