12/2/2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RE: Macon Water Authority Grand Jury Investigation
In keeping with my prior statement of apprising the public of this issue, the ongoing investigation of the Macon Water Authority by the Grand Jury of Bibb County which began on November 21, 2022 was stayed by the Court at a hearing held this morning. Counsel for Dwight Jones, Bill Howell, Anissa Jones, and Frank Patterson, all Water Authority Board members, objected to the investigation under OCGA 15-12-71(b)(2) on the alleged grounds that the Macon Water Authority is not a county entity subject to Grand Jury inspection and investigation. These individuals requested that their subpoenas for December 2nd and December 6th be quashed. The Court ruled to halt the investigation and allow all parties to submit briefs within 20 days.
As I have also stated previously, public trust in elected officials and governmental entities is essential to a properly functioning democracy, and I will continue to keep the public updated within all legal and ethical obligations for an ongoing investigation.