Watchdog accuses Snellville councilman, judge of ethics violations

A Rome-based watchdog group accused Snellville Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts and Snellville Chief Municipal Judge Mark Layng of unspecified ethics violations and owing thousands in back taxes during a press conference Friday afternoon.

George Anderson, executive director of Ethics in Government, said Witts and Layng owe more than $28,000 in late state income taxes.

Witts, who attended the event with at least a dozen supporters, including two fellow council members, said he does owe the taxes but is in the process of paying them off. Witts also said he's previously disclosed the issue at an earlier council meeting.