The GBI isn't pursuing further allegations of corruption in DeKalb County after reviewing a report on government corruption.
GBI Director Vernon Keenan wrote in a letter to Gov. Nathan Deal that many issues raised by investigators Mike Bowers and Richard Hyde have already been reviewed by other law enforcement agencies like the FBI and DeKalb police.
Other accusations raised by the Bowers/Hyde report relate to ethical breaches that couldn’t be prosecuted criminally, Keenan wrote.
“It is our view the report contained no new criminal allegations that warranted further investigation by the GBI,” Keenan wrote.
The Sept. 30 report alleged "appalling corruption" in DeKalb, including more than $500,000 in questionable spending and accusations that Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May hindered the inquiry.
Bowers, a former Georgia attorney general, said he wasn’t surprised by Keenan’s decision.
“While I might disagree, I respect his judgment,” Bowers said Wednesday. “That’s his call. I might have called it otherwise, but that’s his call.”
May said the county will continue to cooperate with other investigative agencies as they complete their work.
“It is encouraging that we have a sense of closure in this area,” May said. “The vast majority of DeKalb employees are honest, hard-working and dedicated, but if there is criminal wrongdoing by any DeKalb County employee, that employee should be held accountable for his or her actions.”
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