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Legal Blog

Politically connected Atlantan sentenced in animal cruelty case

By Bill Rankin
Feb 21, 2016

Atlanta businessman Sarkis Agasarkisian was arrested almost three years ago for stealing and mistreating a neighbor's runaway dog.

Politically connected Atlanta businessman Sarkis Agasarkisian FULTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE PHOTO

Credit: Bill Rankin

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Credit: Bill Rankin

Agasarkisian, who immigrated here from Armenia in 1979, made a name for himself in the jewelry business he took over from his now-deceased father. The politically connected Agasarkisian also became entrenched in the local law enforcement community, serving for decades as a volunteer Fulton County deputy.

But the animal cruelty case morphed into a public integrity prosecution and had Agasarkisian facing maximum punishment of decades in prison. Early on, two former Atlanta mayors privately contacted judges who had the case. Last week, on the eve of trial, Agasarkisian was offered a favorable deal from Fulton prosecutors that he couldn't refuse. To read full coverage of the case, please go to myajc.com.

About the Author

Bill Rankin has been an AJC reporter for more than 30 years. His father, Jim Rankin, worked as an editor for the newspaper for 26 years, retiring in 1986. Bill has primarily covered the state’s court system, doing all he can do to keep the scales of justice on an even keel. Since 2015, he has been the host of the newspaper’s Breakdown podcast.

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