Judge denies Ellis’ appeal bid

Suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis’ racketeering trial will start in September.

DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson has denied a request from suspended CEO Burrell Ellis’ defense team to pursue an appeal with the state Court of Appeals. But the judge granted an Ellis request to delay the trial to compile witness lists and to pore over evidence. The trial had been scheduled for June 2.

Ellis’ attorney Dwight Thomas needed Johnson’s permission to challenge her ruling that a special grand jury investigating corruption allegations went beyond its charge or scope. That jury’s work helped lead to Ellis’ indictment on 14 felonies, ranging from bribery to theft to perjury.