Layne Severson, former girlfriend of Bicycle Supervillain James Clayton acquitted on all charges.

Rob D'Amico of the League of Bicycling Voters penned the following article for today's edition of the Austin Chronicle, regarding Bicycle thief extraordinaire James Clayton's ex-girlfriend being exonerated of all charges in relation to his criminal enterprise:

Late last month, Travis County prosecutors dropped all charges against Layne Severson, the woman police accused of conspiring with local bike thief James Clayton to sell stolen parts on the Internet. Clayton, who befriended local bicyclists and then stole their high-end bikes and equipment, was arrested in February. Police found more than $60,000 worth of stolen bikes and gear in his North Austin home and a storage unit. They later charged Severson, his then-girlfriend, with felony money laundering, saying her PayPal account was used to sell some of the items. "As it shook out, they couldn't prove anything," said Rip Collins, Severson's attorney. "She always took the position that she was not guilty of the money laundering. She never denied that her PayPal was used ... that her boyfriend used those accounts. At the same time, she took the position that she didn't know the items were stolen." Clayton pled guilty May 14 in Travis County District Court and agreed to a plea bargain of four years in state prison. At his sentencing, he told the judge that Severson was innocent and had no knowledge of the thefts. "He was going to testify in her defense," Collins said. Prosecutors could not be reached for comment. – Rob D'Amico

Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on all the latest info Rob, this case has been absolutely riveting. Speaking of Mr. Clayton, has anyone had any contact with Austin's own bicycle supervillain since he pled guilty? I'm just curious as to how his time on the inside has shaped his opinion of bicycle theft.

Ok, I've gotta do it one more time. Here it is, the ever-popular "Many Faces of Clayton" photo montage:

Thanks for the memories, James. When you're out in a few years, holla! I have a couple questions I've been DYING to ask you.