Panel: Fayette commissioner violated ethics

By Jill Howard Church

For the AJC

A three-member panel has ruled that Fayette County Commissioner Robert Horgan violated two sections of the county’s ethics ordinance as a result of his arrest on drug charges last May.

The panel, consisting of county attorneys from outside Fayette, was convened after two private citizens filed a complaint with the county in June.

The panel’s findings Monday have been turned over to the County Commission for consideration of any further action, which could include a fine of up to $1,000, a reprimand, or both.

Horgan apologized for his “mistake” at the May 28 commission meeting.

Horgan was arrested on May 23 after a traffic stop for expired tags. According to the police report, Horgan consented to a search and “admitted that there was marijuana in a pill bottle under the seat of his vehicle.”

However, no confirmation of the substance has been submitted and Horgan’s arraignment for misdemeanor possession has not yet been held.

A Superior Court judge ruled against a recall petition on Aug. 28, saying that Horgan’s offense was not related to his commission position.

Horgan’s term expires in 2012.