Officials cleared of bid-rigging charges in suburban Atlanta county by jury

Three public officials in a suburban Atlanta county have been found not guilty of charges related to attempting to influence a janitorial contract for a county building. The accused individuals include Douglas County Commission Chairwoman Romona Jackson Jones, County Commissioner Henry Mitchell, Douglas County Tax Commissioner Greg Baker, and businessman Anthony Knight. The verdicts of not guilty were delivered by jurors on Friday following the trial.

In 2018, prosecutors alleged that the three officials attempted to sway a contract in favor of S&A Express, a company owned by Knight. Despite being suspended from office by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2023, Jones and Mitchell will now resume their positions. On the other hand, Baker continued his duties as Tax Commissioner during the legal proceedings as a review panel recommended to Kemp that he remain in office.

Jones expressed her relief at the verdict, calling it “amazing.” She is currently running for reelection this year and believes that the outcome of the trial will enhance her chances of winning against a Republican opponent. The acquitted officials are optimistic that the voters will show their support in the upcoming November election.

The prosecutors in the case declined to provide any comments following the jury’s decision. Testimonies from the former county administrator and a former county purchasing director played significant roles during the trial. The former purchasing director, Bill Peacock, who initially faced charges, was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony. Peacock testified that he felt pressured by the commissioners to award the contract to Knight’s company during the events in question.