The top Democrats in the state House and Senate, along with Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens, will decide whether state Rep. Tyrone Brooks should remain in office while the Atlanta Democrat is under federal indictment, Gov. Nathan Deal said Friday.
Deal named Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson, D-Tucker, and House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, D-Atlanta, to the three-member panel. The state constitution calls for the committee to decide whether the charges against Brooks make him unfit for office.
Brooks is charged with 30 counts of wire, tax and mail fraud, and federal prosecutors allege he used donations for a pair of charities he leads for personal expenses. Brooks' attorney, former Gov. Roy Barnes, said Brooks is innocent but has had poor accounting practices.
The panel has 14 days to issue a written report. The committee’s decision is final.
If suspended, Brooks would continue to receive his legislative pay and benefits but could not act in an official capacity. The suspension would be lifted if Brooks is not convicted.
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