Gwinnett commissioner recounts life since arrest
Former Gwinnett County Commissioner Shirley Lasseter’s life of crime ended in a toy store’s parking lot as she tucked her grandson into the back seat.
Two FBI agents approached her and broke the news: Her son John Fanning had been arrested, and she was in trouble, too.
The arrest in September 2011 ended weeks of intrigue during which Lasseter, Fanning and Hall County businessman Carl “Skip” Cain were courted by an undercover FBI agent posing as a wealthy businessman. His proposition: Lasseter would approve a Boggs Road real estate development in exchange for $36,500.
Lasseter and the others took the deal. They also accepted fine food and drink and a trip to Florida.
But the fun ended that day at the toy store, giving way to months of working undercover for the FBI.
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About the Author
David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.
