Ex-APS testing coordinator enters guilty plea
A former Atlanta school system testing coordinator pleaded guilty Wednesday, becoming the sixth educator charged in the test-cheating scandal to admit to wrongdoing.
Lera Middlebrooks, who worked at Dunbar Elementary School, was initially charged with racketeering and three other felony offenses. But under a negotiated agreement with prosecutors, Middlebrooks was allowed to plead guilty to a single misdemeanor count of obstruction.
“I am guilty,” Middlebrooks, 50, told lead Fulton County prosecutor Fani Willis during the plea hearing.
There are now 28 remaining defendants charged in the sweeping racketeering conspiracy document. Prosecutors say more guilty pleas are expected to be entered Thursday and Friday.
Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter, after accepting Middlebrooks’ plea, sentenced her to one year on probation. She also was ordered to perform 250 hours of community service and write a letter of apology for her actions.
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.
