Farmer sued for too many veggies

DECATUR, Ga., Sept. 13 (UPI) -- A Georgia farmer being sued by his county for growing too many vegetables says the charges should have been dropped following a rezoning of the area.

Steve Miller said Dekalb County code enforcement officers began citing him in January for growing too many crops for his farm's zoning, and for having employees without permits on site. He said he stopped growing vegetables while rezoning was in progress during the summer, WSB-TV, Atlanta, reported Monday.

Miller said the charges were put on hold during the rezoning process, but the county began pursuing the nearly $5,000 in fines two weeks after the rezoning. Officials said Miller was in violation prior to the rezoning.

"It should go away. I think it borders on harassment," said Doug Dillard, Miller's attorney.

Dillard said Miller will fight the charges this month in recorders court.