Professional Documents
Culture Documents
things to know about the DeKalb government investigation | www.myajc.com
76° SUBSCRIBE
LOG OUT
HOME / NEWS
Resize text A A A
7 things to know about the DeKalb government investigation
Posted: 9:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015
By Fiza Pirani The Atlanta JournalConstitution
JONATHAN PHILLIPS / SPECIAL/ FILE
Former state Attorney General Mike Bowers (right) led the investigation for
DeKalb interim CEO Lee May.
In a letter sent Wednesday to interim DeKalb CEO Lee May, lead investigators Mike Bowers and Richard
Hyde wrote that DeKalb County's government "is rotten to the core" with allegations of taxpayer money
abuse, theft of government property and bribery.
Here are seven things to know about the letter and ongoing investigation:
1. The investigation began in March when May hired former state Attorney General Mike
Bowers: Bowers — known for his state investigation of the standardized test cheating scandal in Atlanta
Public Schools — was hired by May to remove the "stench of corruption and distrust" pervading the
county.
2. Employees have been abusing taxpayer money: In the letter sent Wednesday, Bowers said DeKalb County
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/7thingsknowaboutrottendekalbgovernmentinves/nnDhP/ 1/6
8/8/2015 7 things to know about the DeKalb government investigation | www.myajc.com
government employees illegally spent public money using their P-cards — taxpayer-funded charge
cards — on things like flower arrangements, a Christmas tree, a cruise to the Bahamas, a dry cleaning bill for a
judge's robe and a "live" guitar player.
In June, May suspended most charge cards after Bowers found that employees illegally used them to
purchase dance lessons, computers, phone charges, international plane flights and ski resort trips.
Funds were also routinely used to purchase liquor, catered meals and more.
3. The fraud is not exclusive to P-Cards: Investigators wrote that several departments have also overspent
their budgets during the past five years, and nothing has been done to correct their behavior.
4. A high-level official did not face appropriate disciplinary action for wrecking a county-owned
car: Investigators wrote that the official — after wrecking the vehicle and causing substantial damage — did not
follow proper procedures for reporting the accident.
Instead, taxpayers ended up paying the impound fee for another county-owned vehicle after the employee was
arrested for DUI. The employee resigned without facing disciplinary action and was rehired after entering a
guilty plea in court.
5. Employees are routinely violating the take-home vehicle policy: Bowers wrote that some employees are
routinely violating the policy and is looking at just how many employees are getting a free ride to and from
work every day and using county-owned cars and gas for their commutes.
6. Possible bribery scheme involving a major county department may also be unfolding: No further
details have been released.
7. May responded to the letter in a statement Wednesday: May said the underlying issues mentioned in the
letter were no secret, which is precisely why investigators were hired in March to conduct a comprehensive
review with a conclusive report to be released after a 120-day period, which they have not yet released.
Instead, May said, "All we have to show for it is a 2-page letter full of salacious — but vague — innuendo."
According to May's statement, Bowers has informed him a more detailed report will be issued in three weeks.
In this Section
Q&A on the News
The scoop on Friday, August 7: 5 things to know this morning
Decatur man travels U.S. as part of Golin ‘unternship’
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/7thingsknowaboutrottendekalbgovernmentinves/nnDhP/ 2/6
8/8/2015 7 things to know about the DeKalb government investigation | www.myajc.com
Trial begins for man accused of intentionally running over woman
Confederate holidays booted from state calendar
Q&A on the News
Dog sniffing for links between missing teens, found items
Newton County Schools target of Facebook threats
Stolen, prized Stradivarius returned to Totenberg family
The scoop on Thursday, August 6: 5 things to know this morning
PREVIOUS: NEXT:
NATIONAL LOCAL GOVT & POLITICS
Parrot wins hilarious bark-off with the family Fulton spends more than $200,000 on
dog election software
Popular on MyAJC.com
Falcons add some depth at running back
Atlanta’s tallest tower seeks to fill its void
Smith steals the show at Friday Night Lights
Metro Atlanta’s apartment boom expected to continue
Confederate holidays booted from Ga. calendar
All Comments (0) Post a Comment
COMMENTS
Post comment
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/7thingsknowaboutrottendekalbgovernmentinves/nnDhP/ 3/6
8/8/2015 7 things to know about the DeKalb government investigation | www.myajc.com
Post Comment
Learn More
NEWS
MyAJC.com Living
Metro/State Nation/World
Sports AJCePaper
Business Archives
Investigations Living Intown Magazine
Opinion ajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/7thingsknowaboutrottendekalbgovernmentinves/nnDhP/ 4/6
8/8/2015 7 things to know about the DeKalb government investigation | www.myajc.com
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Subscribe
Subscriber Services
Contact Us
Web site feedback
Digital Products
FAQ's
Work Here
MARKETPLACE
Cars
Jobs
Homes/Real Estate
Classifieds
Kudzu
Advertise With Us
Shopping
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/7thingsknowaboutrottendekalbgovernmentinves/nnDhP/ 5/6
8/8/2015 7 things to know about the DeKalb government investigation | www.myajc.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Pinterest Find Five
Google+ The Vent
Tumblr
© 2015 Cox Media Group. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your
options regarding Ad Choices.
Learn about careers at Cox Media Group
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/7thingsknowaboutrottendekalbgovernmentinves/nnDhP/ 6/6