Former DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson reimburses county for travel advances

UPDATE March 24

Former DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson still owes the county $917 for official travel since July 2015, according to county documents. County officials say Watson is disputing some of the amount owed.

Original article:

Former DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson, under investigation for withdrawing nearly $4,000 in travel advances before leaving office, has repaid most of the money.

Channel 2 Action News reports that DeKalb’s government recently received a check for $3,586, which covers all but $300 of the money Watson withdrew. It’s unclear why the full amount wasn’t reimbursed.

Watson withdrew the money in January and February of last year for government conferences in Chicago and Savannah that took place in April.

But Watson resigned in March 2016 to mount an unsuccessful campaign for county tax commissioner.

It’s unclear whether repaying the money will clear Watson. 

DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston’s office subpoenaed government records and checks related to Watson’s travel advances. A spokeswoman for Boston declined comment.

Watson couldn’t be reached for comment by Channel 2.

DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson, center, talks with Robert Pegel, of Decatur, left, and Debra DeBerry, right, during his community breakfast on June 4, 2011. Photo by Jason Getz