Across the southeast

Man cleared in deaths is accused of perjury

BUSHNELL, FLA. - A trucker was found not guilty of killing two good Samaritans by crashing into an accident scene along Florida's turnpike in 2002 - but was immediately arrested on a perjury charge.

Robert Lee Jackson Jr., of Valdosta, Ga., was cleared Friday of manslaughter by culpable negligence and other charges.

In previous statements, Mr. Jackson said he was driving the truck that killed firefighter Shane Kelly and obstetrician N. Donald Diebel Jr. and injured six others, prosecutors said. On the stand, he said the other person in the truck was driving.

If convicted of perjury, he could face five years in prison on each charge.

Lawsuit will get some investors' money back

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Customers of an estate planner accused of swindling investors will get some lost savings back from a $5.25 million settlement.

The settlement approved Friday came after a lawsuit was filed on behalf of customers of Anthony Allen and his business partner, Gregory Maynard.

The two are charged with defrauding an estimated 120 people out of as much as $14 million. Mr. Allen, who remains in jail awaiting trial, was arrested Oct. 13, 2003.

A civil suit filed against in October 2003 was converted to a class-action suit in February. Attorneys say the victims will receive about 40 percent of the money they invested with him.