The state Attorney General’s office appealed an earlier court decision that had returned Ashby R. Krouse III’s appraiser certification. In an order released July 14, the Court of Appeals found that the decision to revoke the license was proper. The state didn’t need an expert to prove Mr. Krouse’s conduct in the sale of a 98-acre site along the border of Richmond and Burke counties violated professional standards. The land deal that occurred between 2002 and 2004 resulted in the state Department of Transportation paying Mr. Krouse’s wife, who is also the daughter of former state Sen. Don Cheeks, $265,850.

Mr. Krouse was initially indicted on felony charges of forgery and making false statements. Last September, he pleaded guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to reduced charges, two counts misdemeanor obstruction. He was sentenced to two years probation and fined $1,000 under the First Offender’s Act.