Lawyer appointed to represent ‘Otis’

DOBSON (By Tom Joyce, The Mount Airy News) — The case of the state vs. “Otis” has taken another turn.

A court-appointed attorney was tapped earlier this week to represent a Mount Airy man who portrays the character from “The Andy Griffith Show,” stemming from his recent arrest for allegedly violating a city ordinance. A Surry District Court judge also has set a trial date for June 17 in the case.

James Slate was taken into custody on April 21 in downtown Mount Airy, where he is often seen dressed as Otis Campbell of the long-running TV series. City police allege that Slate, 63, was violating a city ordinance prohibiting sidewalk obstructions. This related to items placed on the sidewalk in front of his son’s store, including a table and chairs where Slate has played checkers with both “Mayberry” tourists and locals.