Kelvin Walton Resigned and Nina Hall was Fired: We were Victorious!
Kelvin Walton Resigned and Nina Hall was Fired. We were Victorious!
We were victorious! We are proud to announce that Kelvin Walton has resigned and Nina Hall was fired.
We delivered a demand letter on behalf of vendors and contractors who had filed complaints against Kelvin Walton, former Director and Chief Procurement Officer of the Department of Purchasing and Contracting and Nina Hall, Former Assistant to CEO Burrell Ellis, and former Project Manager with the Watershed Department. Due to prior complaints, sworn testimony, and evidence of alleged criminal activities, Vendors and Contractors registered with DeKalb County Purchasing and Contracting Department demanded Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall be fired.
DeKalb Purchasing Director Kelvin Walton, who secretly recorded conversions with Ellis, also is now the target of a federal investigation, according to Channel 2 Action News. Walton allegedly received several $1000 payments from a company called Metals and Materials Engineers (MME), which has received millions of dollars in DeKalb County Contracts, according to Channel 2 Action News. Read the entire article at http://www.ajc.com/news/news/dekalb-employees-depart-in-wake-of-ellis-trial/nhdgm/
The local government should focus on the needs of the public, provide a high quality of life, and restore public trust.
Please view:
Ten Reasons DeKalb Vendors Demand Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall Be Fired
Ten Reasons DeKalb Vendors Demand Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall Be Fired
By Viola Davis RN BSN
October 1, 2014
The ten reasons DeKalb County vendors demand Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall be fired
It’s time for us to come to the reality that our local government has been in a crisis for far too long. As a watchdog group, we have complained for years about a “cloud of corruption” that gives DeKalb County a bad reputation as well as a black eye hindering economic development and decreasing public trust.
Now we are faced with the serious issue of having local politicians indicted for illegal activity and violation of their oaths of office. Yet, a few politicians continue with the same excuses that interfere with the quality of life our community deserves. Our county employees, police and firemen have gone over five years without raises or even a cost of living increase until this last budget year. When will the crisis end? When will a high quality of life and increased public trust begin?
The title of this article, “Ten Reasons DeKalb Vendors Demand Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall Be Fired”, strives to educate the public on facts they may not be aware of, and apply “heat” to Interim Chief Executive Officer Lee May to take action and fire two employees who have clearly engaged in alleged criminal activity. The reasons to fire Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall include:
1. Kelvin Walton funneled cash from vendors to a county employee who served on approximately fifteen selection committees for DeKalb County projects. The employee’s name is Nina Hall, formerly the executive assistant/secretary to CEO Burrell Ellis.
2. Kelvin Walton headed a department that practiced out-of-control nepotism and cronyism that fueled alleged criminal activity. Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall violated their job descriptions. Yet, Interim CEO Lee May suspended Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall with pay at a combined taxpayers’ payroll cost of approximately $228,800.
3. Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall engaged in acts of alleged criminal activity that produced conflicts of interest.
4. Kelvin Walton, under oath, willfully lied multiple times during his May Special Purpose Grand Jury Testimony and Walton admitted under oath that he lied to the Grand Jury.
5. Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall both refused to answer questions and pleaded the fifth, citing the self-incrimination rule. Kelvin Walton refused to answer 343 questions for fear of self-incrimination. Nina Hall refused to answer 30 questions for fear of self-incrimination.
6. Kelvin Walton assisted elected officials and high staff officials in engaging in alleged criminal activity causing an investigation which involves the FBI, US Attorney General, Department of Revenue and the Inspector General.
7. Nina Hall first denied ever receiving gifts or cash from vendors under oath. However, she eventually confessed to receiving cash from Kelvin Walton and allegedly Michael Hightower.
8. Kelvin Walton accepted a gift/service from a vendor of cash value without paying for the service.
9. Vendors and employees’ complaints that identified waste, mismanagement, alleged illegal activity by contractors and Kelvin Walton were ignored.
10. Board of Commissioners and DeKalb County staff members’ conflicts of interest that were a cause of action for major media investigations were incorrectly based on advice given by Kelvin Walton.
It’s time for DeKalb County taxpayers, homeowners and business owners to send a message that we want the madness to end. The local government should focus on the needs of the public, provide a high quality of life, and restore public trust.
We need a full forensic audit to expose the “true” financial picture and shortfalls of Watershed and Public Works. We need a full forensic audit of the Purchasing and Contracting Department. We need an answer to the question, “Is there any criminal activity that should be prosecuted”? Vendors and Contractors have requested a full criminal investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation into alleged criminal activity to include:
• Bid-rigging
• False Documentation (evidenced by fraudulent checks)
• Violation of the False Claims Act
• Fraud
• Kickbacks, Up-Charging and over-billing
• Tax Fraud
Until we place restoring public trust as a top priority, taxpayers, property owners, homeowners, and business owners will have increased lack of trust in our local government. We ask our Board of Commissioners, those that remain, to demonstrate the value they place in restoring public trust in our local government by enacting the following changes:
• Establish and fund an Internal Auditor.
• Creation of a new anti-corruption unit within the DeKalb Police Department, in concert with the FBI and GBI.
• Support the Board of Ethics and maintain its independence.
If there are people that value restoring public trust and removing this “Cloud of Corruption”, we need your help in convincing Interim CEO Lee May to immediately fire and remove Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall from the DeKalb County taxpayers’ payroll. If the CEO continues to refuse to fire Kelvin Walton and Nina Hall, we need Interim CEO Lee May to explain to the rest of us the reason, “Why”?
Increase Property Value and Avoid Overpaying Property Taxes
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2014
FROM: Viola Davis, Founder
Restore DeKalb
P.O. Box 831894
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
CONTACT:
Phone: 404-573-2813
Email: RestoreDeKalb@gmail.com
Website: http://restoredekalb.org
People’s Forum II: Increase Property Value and Avoid Overpaying Property Taxes
Suspect you’re overpaying property taxes and/or asking if you should appeal your property tax assessment? Appealed your property taxes and do not understand the process? Have you asked for ways to increase your property value and address violations that decrease your property value?
Homeowners and Property Owners who appealed their 2014 DeKalb County Real and Personal Property Tax Assessment need to attend the forum at Sanford Realty Company Conference Center, 4183 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30035 on October 11, 2014 at 9:30am.
This forum will help educate and assist homeowners and property owners in understanding the appraisal, appeal, and assessment process. The forum will provide information on how to file a complaint against violations that decrease property value.
The confirmed presenters include:
· Calvin C. Hicks – Chief Appraiser
· Debra DeBerry – Clerk of Superior Court
· Byron Scott – Board of Equalization (BOE) Supervisor
Restore DeKalb strives to educate DeKalb County taxpayers and voters on how to save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars a year with almost no drawbacks by appealing the property tax assessment. The process is free (Board of Equalization). If you think your property is being over assessed and need help with the appeal process, Restore DeKalb looks forward to educating homeowners and property owners to increase property value and avoid overpaying their property taxes.
Remember, the first installment of DeKalb’s 2014 real estate and personal property taxes is due on September 30th.
Download the flyers:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/241438495/Increase-Property-Value-and-Avoid-Overpaying-Property-Taxes
Restore DeKalb Presents People’s Forum I & II – September 13th at 9:30am
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2014
FROM: Viola Davis, Founder
Restore DeKalb
P.O. Box 831894,
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
CONTACT:
Phone: 404-573-2813
Email: RestoreDeKalb@gmail.com
Website: http://restoredekalb.org
Restore DeKalb Presents People’s Forum I & II
PEOPLE’S FORUM I & II
Learn what the politicians don’t want you to know at the Sanford Realty Company Conference Center, 4183 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30083:
• Forum I – September 13, 2014
• Forum II – October 11, 2014
• Both start at 9:30am
- HELP RESTORE $100 MILLION TO DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM (DCSS)
- HELP STOP THE REMOVAL OF OVER $100 MILLION DOLLARS FROM DCSS SINCE 2006 TO TAX POOR/RECEIVER COUNTIES SUCH AS GWINNETT.
- HELP RESTORE PUBLIC TRUST (UPDATE ON ETHICS COMPLAINTS)
We are forwarding links to the petition, resolution, flyers, and brochure (etc.) for Restore 100+ Million to DeKalb County School System. If we had this money, we would have enough money to finance the following:
• We would not need the money from cell towers on school grounds
• We would have enough money to finance charter clusters
• We would have enough money to increase the pay of our school employees
• We would have enough money to finance the needs of our refugee students
• Etc.
1. Restore $100 Million To DCSS – Resolution: http://www.scribd.com/doc/208057170/Restore-100-Million-To-DeKalb-County-School-System-DCSS-Resolution
2. Restore $100 Million To DCSS – Petition: http://www.scribd.com/doc/208056402/Restore-100-Million-To-DeKalb-County-School-System-DCSS-Petition
3. Restore $100 Million To DCSS – Brochure Front: http://www.scribd.com/doc/208055182/Restore-100-Million-To-DeKalb-County-School-System-DCSS-Brochure-Front
4. Restore $100 Million To DCSS – Brochure Back: http://www.scribd.com/doc/208055888/Restore-100-Million-To-DeKalb-County-School-System-DCSS-Brochure-Back
5. Restore $100 Million To DCSS – Flyer Front: http://www.scribd.com/doc/208053232/Restore-100-Million-To-DeKalb-County-School-System-DCSS-Flyer-Front
6. Restore $100 Million To DCSS – Flyer Back: http://www.scribd.com/doc/208054138/Restore-100-Million-To-DeKalb-County-School-System-Flyer-Back
7. Restore $100 Million to DCSS – PowerPoint Presentation: http://www.scribd.com/doc/208788430/Restore-100-Million-to-Dekalb-County-School-System-DCSS-Restore-DeKalb-Presentation-PDF-File
8. Restore DCSS Funding Video: Redistribution of Wealth – DCSS with Tom Bowen: http://youtu.be/xW38VZ-lOKM
9. Restore DCSS Funding Video: Inequity in Funding & Redistribution of Wealth with Rep. Billy Mitchell:
Elaine Boyer Resigns and Plans to Plead Guilty
Former DeKalb County Commissioner Charged With Stealing County Funds
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2014
ATLANTA – Elaine Boyer, the former Commissioner of District 1 in DeKalb County, Ga., has been arraigned on charges relating to her embezzlement of county funds and misuse of her DeKalb County credit card.
“As an elected County Commissioner, Ms. Boyer had a duty to serve the best interests of the citizens of DeKalb County,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. “Instead of honoring that commitment, Ms. Boyer stole from the citizens she was sworn to serve by diverting thousands of dollars in county funds to her personal bank account and using her county-issued credit card like it was her own.”
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “Public corruption based investigations often stem from actions that would be seen as clearly improper and illegal to the average person. The charges in this case, however, reflect criminal actions of a twenty-two year veteran DeKalb County Commissioner who knew fully the nature of her actions and she will now face the consequences of those actions. The FBI places a high priority toward investigating allegations of public corruption due to the extensive harm that it can cause on many levels and we ask that anyone with information regarding such allegations to please contact their nearest FBI field office.”
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: In DeKalb County, Ga., the Board of Commissioners (“BOC”) serves as the legislative branch of the DeKalb County Government. The BOC is comprised of seven part-time commissioners, who are elected to serve four-year terms. Each of the seven Commissioners is responsible for the management of their respective offices, which includes controlling the offices’ budget and hiring staff members, contractors, and consultants. In recent years, the operating budget for a Commissioner’s office has been approximately $250,000 per year. The Commissioners may use their budget only for county-related business.
Since 1992, Ms. Boyer served as the Commissioner of District 1, which serves citizens in north DeKalb County, including in Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Tucker, and Smoke Rise, Ga. Among other responsibilities, Ms. Boyer sat on the BOC’s Finance, Budget, and Audit Committee and was the Chairwoman of the Employee Relations and Community Services Committee. Boyer’s term of office was to expire in 2016; however, Boyer resigned yesterday.
In September 2009, as the Commissioner of District 1, Ms. Boyer retained an individual (“Advisor”) supposedly to assist her with government consulting and advisory duties on issues that affected her constituents. From September 2009 to November 2011, false invoices were submitted to Ms. Boyer’s office for consulting services purportedly rendered by Advisor. In fact, Advisor performed no services for Ms. Boyer, District 1 constituents, or DeKalb County. Ms. Boyer used the false invoices as a basis to authorize payments to Advisor. Based on requisition requests from Ms. Boyer, DeKalb County mailed approximately 35 checks to Advisor for consulting services that were never performed. In total, DeKalb County paid Advisor more than $78,000, believing that legitimate services had been performed for the county.
After being paid by DeKalb County, Advisor funneled approximately 75% of the money received from DeKalb County into Ms. Boyer’s personal bank account. Between September 2009 and November 2011, Advisor deposited more than $58,000 in DeKalb County funds into Ms. Boyer’s personal bank account (while retaining the remainder of the money). In turn, Ms. Boyer used the money deposited into her account to pay personal expenses, including purchases at hotels and high-end department stores.
Additionally, in her capacity as a Commissioner, DeKalb County issued Ms. Boyer a Visa Purchasing Card (“P-Card”) to make county-related purchases. On January 14, 2010, she signed a Cardholder Users’ Agreement stating she would not use the P-Card to make personal purchases.
From October 2010 to February 2014, Ms. Boyer made more than 50 personal purchases on her P-Card, including purchasing airline tickets and hotel rooms for herself and her family for personal travel. In total, she made over $15,000 worth of purchases on her P-Card for personal goods and services.
Elaine Boyer, 57, of Stone Mountain, Ga., was charged via Criminal Information with conspiring to committed mail fraud and with wire fraud. She is scheduled to plead guilty at 3:00 p.m., on September 3, 2014, before U.S. District Court Judge Orinda D. Evans.
Members of the public are reminded that the information only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey W. Davis and Kurt R. Erskine are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office atUSAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the home page for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division ishttp://www.justice.gov/usao/gan/.
ACTION ALERT – Joint Transportation Study Group to Meet Near You
ACTION ALERT – Joint Transportation Study Group to Meet Near You
Did you know that All Georgians now subsidize Atlanta’s middle class commuters through the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) for Xpress bus service in metro Atlanta? For some reason, they cannot raise the fare. See the report.
Did you know that of the 4% sales tax on gasoline that consumers pay in Georgia, 25% of that tax goes to the state general fund instead of being utilized directly on transportation needs?
Did you know that Georgia’s Statewide Transportation Plan 2005-2035 has an estimated cost of $160 billion? Yet, only $86 billion is expected to be available for transportation spending over that period. That leaves a funding gap of $74 billion.
WHERE DO YOU THINK THE REST OF THAT MONEY IS GOING TO COME FROM? It’s time to make your voices heard.
HR 1573 created a joint study committee of 16 members for the purpose of identifying new sources and methods of funding for critical transportation infrastructure needs. The committee will include the chairs of the House and Senate Transportation Committees, who will serve as co-chairs. The presiding officers of each chamber will appoint three legislative members and one citizen member. Other members include the chairpersons of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce or designee, the president and CEO of the Metro-Atlanta Chamber of Commerce or designee, the executive director of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, and the executive director of the Georgia Municipal Association. The committee is authorized for eight days and will make recommendations to the legislature by November 30, 2014.
The Joint Study Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure Funding will be holding public information meetings on the following tentative dates and cities. There will be time for public comment. You are encouraged to attend so that your concerns can be heard.
August 18th Columbus
September 2nd Tifton
September 3rd Macon
September 30th Augusta
October 1st Savannah
October 28th Rome
October 29th Blue Ridge
The first meeting was held in Atlanta on August 5th. Georgia DOT Commissioner Keith Golden gave a presentation on Transportation in Georgia. Some of the suggestions discussed:
Putting the 4th penny of the gas tax back in the transportation fund
Legislation to allow fractional SPLOST
Raise the gas tax
Multi-jurisdictional (2 or more counties) SPLOSTS like those proposed by Ed Setzler in HB195.
Keeping gas tax revenue in the state instead of sending it to Washington. There are strings attached with federal money which increase costs and causes delays. See the Transportation Empowerment Act proposed by Congressman Tom Graves.
Mileage meters on cars (tax on miles driven)
Autonomous cars
More HOT lanes (toll roads)
Although the TSPLOST was defeated in 9 out of 12 regions, HB 277, the TSPLOST law is still on the books. Now is the time to make your voices heard. Contact the House Staff: Tracy Atcheson (404) 656-1782 for exact locations and confirmation of the meeting dates and times.
This message is being sent by the Transportation Leadership Coalition and is not affiliated with the General Assembly legislators or staff.
Please help spread the word by forwarding this email to all interested parties you think will be affected.
Thanks,
Transportation Leadership Coalition, LLC
800-821-0102
www.repealregionalism.com
www.traffictruth.net
Facebook: facebook.com/RepealRegionalism
facebook.com/TrafficTruth
Twitter: @RepealRegionali
@TrafficTruth
Meet & Greet with Restore DeKalb – August 21st
You’re invited
to join us for a…
MEET AND GREET
WITH
“RESTORE DEKALB”
“Let’s Get To Know Each Other”
WHEN: August 21, 2014 (Thursday) at 6:30pm
WHERE: Bobbie Sanford Realtors Office, 4183 Snapfinger Woods Dr., Decatur, Ga 30035
WHO: Restore DeKalb & “Like Minds”
WHAT: Mission to “Restore Public Trust”
CONTACT: Joel Edwards at 404-966-1121 or Willie Pringle at 678-451-9333
Restore DeKalb Meet & Greet – Let’s Get To Know Each Other
You’re invited
to join us for a…
MEET AND GREET
WITH
“RESTORE DEKALB”
“Let’s Get To Know Each Other”
When: |
August 21, 2014 (Thursday) at 6:30pm |
Where: |
Bobbie Sanford Realtors Office, 4183 Snapfinger Woods Dr., Decatur, Ga 30035 |
Who: |
Restore DeKalb & “Like Minds” |
what: |
Mission to “Restore Public Trust” |
contact: |
Joel Edwards at 404-966-1121 or Willie Pringle at 678-451-9333 |
We Hope To See You There
Time for Parrott to prove libelous and defamatory statements in Kathie Gannon’s Ethics Complaint
Memo
To: Chairman John Ernst, DeKalb Board of Ethics, Interim CEO Lee May, Executive Assistant, Zach Williams, District Attorney, Robert James, Lori Dennis, Travis Cherry, Scott Callan, Morris Williams, Commissioners Chief of Staff and Barbara Sanders, Clerk of the CEO and Commission
From: Viola Davis
cc:
Office of the State and Federal Inspector Generals, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sally Quillian Yates, DeKalb Board of Commissioners, Unhappy Taxpayer & Voter, CTEA, Restore DeKalb and all Appropriate Parties.
Date: July 10, 2014
Re:
Documentation of Monica Parrott’s Open Records Request for Official Government Information Regarding Commissioner Kathie Gannon’s Ethics Complaint
Documentation of Monica Parrott’s Open Records Request for Official Government Information regarding Commissioner Kathie Gannon’s Ethics Complaint
Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Law (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70 et seq.)(The Law) and/or Freedom of Information Act, copying: all files, records, and other documents of Monica Parrott’s Open Records Request for Official Government Information regarding Commissioner Kathie Gannon’s Ethics Complaint to include:
1. Parrott’s Open Records Request for Bank of America records with Lori Dennis’ name at the top and dated:
a. October 05, 2012 – November 04, 2012 (Page 28 of 30)
b. December 05, 2012 – January 04, 2013 (Page 15 of 16)
c. February 05, 2013 – March 04, 2013 (Page 25 of 26)
2. Parrott’s Open Records Request for Bank of America records with Travis Cherry’s name at the top and dated:
a. April 05, 2013 – May 04, 2013 (Page 27 of 30)
b. May 05, 2013 – June 04, 2013 (Page 31 of 32)
c. November 05, 2013 – December 04, 2013 (Page 15 of 16)
d. July 05, 2013 – August 04, 2013 (Page 28 of 30)
e. December 05, 2013 – January 04, 2014 (page 14 of 16)
3. Parrott’s Open Records Request to the finance department for copies of the Bank of America Bank Statements and documents quoted concerning Commissioner Kathie Gannon’s payments to nonprofits for “kickbacks”.
4. Parrott’s Open Records Request to Purchasing and Contracting for financial information regarding Commissioner Gannon’s Ethics Complaint.
It is important to increase transparency, ethics, and accountability in DeKalb County Government. It is paramount that we increase “Public Trust” in DeKalb County. We must hold our elected officials and their staff accountable.
DeKalb County government (legislative and administrative) must be investigated to assess if any government resources, staff, finances, etc. were used to assist Monica Parrott in filing the ethics complaint. We must verify the following:
• Did Monica Parrott receive any assistance in compiling the ethics complaint against Commissioner Kathie Gannon from elected officials and/or government officials/staff?
• Did Monica Parrott obtain the information provided in the ethics complaint through the help of elected officials and/or government officials/staff to intimidate, humiliate, and retaliate, etc. against private citizens?
Monica Parrott’s ethics complaint against Commissioner Kathie Gannon contain false statements that are libelous and defamatory. We request the opportunity to subpoena Parrott to give a sworn deposition concerning the accusations stated as fact in her ethics complaint. We are particularly interested in the involvement of a third party or parties in these malicious statements.
The statements involving Viola Davis and the Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter ministry involve:
• Defamation of character
• False accusations with total disregard of research
• Intention to defile our reputation of respect, adhering to high ethical standards, honesty and integrity
• Reckless disregard for the truth
We have proof of the following facts to correct the libelous and defamatory statements made in Kathie Gannon’s ethics complaint by Monica Parrott to include:
• Commissioner Kathie Gannon has not paid Viola Davis and/or Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter “one penny” in money or any other in-kind financial support…period.
• Viola Davis and/or Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter has never received illegal financial support of any kind to include “kickbacks” from Commissioner Gannon or any other party.
• Viola Davis, co-founder of Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter, is not presently a member of PRISM due to the lack of payment of membership dues for over 1+ years. However, Davis thanks Monica Parrott for reminding her to renew her membership.
• Viola Davis is not part of a nonprofit “whose 501 (c) (3) status has been revoked by the IRS for non-compliance with its reporting requirement”.
• Viola Davis and the Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter ministry are not political operatives of Commissioner Kathie Gannon or any other elected official.
• Viola Davis is a critical care registered nurse (License number – RN101605 issued 9/18/1991) with over 20+ years’ experience in MICU, SICU, and CCU. As a Veteran with an honorable discharge from the military, I, Viola Davis, am a commissioned officer trained in combat nursing. The statement, “questionable income” is libelous and defamatory especially since Monica Parrott continuously references illegal activity throughout the ethics complaint.
• Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter, Inc. was registered with Georgia Secretary of State on 4/19/2002. On April 21, 2004, a U.S. federal trademark registration (serial number 78405400) was filed for Unhappy Taxpayer & Voter. We have spent over 12 years earning the respect of the community. We are known for our research, advocacy, and educating the public on serious social and political issues. We are a government watchdog organization/ministry. We analyze the manner in which taxpayer funds are spent and disseminate the results to the public with the purpose of encouraging fiduciary responsibility amongst elected officials. (View the Link)
A federal complaint was filed by Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter with the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, Office of the Inspector General, United State Attorney General and the Department of Revenue on September 2013:
Ethics complaints were filed against Kelvin Walton, Nina Hall, Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and Judy Brownlee:
We also recently attended a meeting with the offices of the federal and state Inspector Generals. We requested information/documents on protection for witnesses and government employees with knowledge of illegal activity, wrongdoing, waste, mismanagement, abuse, etc. We have an obligation to educate the public and government employees who fear acts of intimidation and retaliation.
We’re afraid this ethics complaint filed by Monica Parrott is an example of retaliation for attempting to hold our elected officials and government agencies accountable. The libelous and defamatory statements within the ethics complaint are acts of retaliation.
We request a full investigation into the method that Monica Parrott obtained her information if no Open Records Request was ever filed. Once again, we view such acts as retaliation.
If this request is denied in whole or in part, we ask that you cite in writing the specific statutory exemption upon which you have relied, as required by law, we also ask that you release all separate portions of otherwise exempt material. Please waive any costs associated with this request, or first inform us about such costs as required by Georgia Law.
As you know, the Law requires a response by you within three business days of your receipt of this Open Records Request and provides sanctions for non-compliance. I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached at 770-256-0034 or via email at UnhappyTaxpayers@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Viola Davis
Community Missionary
Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and Judy Brownlee Ethics Complaint and Amendment
MEMORANDUM
TO: DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF ETHICS
FROM: VIOLA DAVIS WITH UNHAPPY TAXPAYER AND VOTER
SUBJECT: 1ST AMENDMENT TO THE ETHICS COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST COMMISSIONER SHARON BARNES SUTTON AND ETHICS COMPLAINT AGAINST JUDY BROWNLEE
DATE: 6/17/2014
CC: RESTORE DEKALB, JOEL EDWARDS, UNHAPPY TAXPAYER AND VOTER AND ALL APPROPRIATE PARTIES
I, Viola Davis and Restore DeKalb submit this 1st amendment to the ethics complaint filed against Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton (District 4) for the following violations:
(1) Violation of the DeKalb County Code of Ethics
(2) Violation of Oath of Office
(3) Violation of the Public’s Trust
(4) Violation of the Law (alleged)
(5) Conflict of Interest
I also submit this Ethics Complaint against Judy Brownlee, Commissioner’s Sharon Barnes Sutton’s top aide, for violations of the DeKalb County government’s Code of Ethics.
The conduct, prohibited by the DeKalb County Code of Ethics, that Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and Judy Brownlee violated include:
• Directly or indirectly request, receive, or agree to receive anything of value which may influence or be perceived to influence, the member’s official actions.
• Use his/her position to secure unwarranted privileges for himself or herself;
• Engage in any activity or transaction that is prohibited by a law that is applicable to him/her by virtue of being a member of the governing authority;
• Etc. (Any other violations that the Ethics Board may find)
I have asked for the support of Restore DeKalb which includes Joel Edwards. We issue this ethics complaint to ensure there is transparency, ethics, and accountability in DeKalb County government. We have joined as a coalition to hold elected officials accountable for violating the public’s trust. We will welcome other taxpayers and voters who strive to restore public trust once we have the vote of the executive accountability board.
I will use the following documentation and video as evidence:
1. The AJC article, “Officials spend with little oversight”, by Johnny Edwards (May 25, 2014) – Mr. Edwards did an excellent article in the AJC which provided the following evidence to demonstrate Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton violated the Code of Ethics and included evidence below:
• Sharon Barnes Sutton’s P-card purchases
• Sharon Barnes Sutton’s cardholder agreement
• Sharon Barnes Sutton’s P-card travel agreement
• Audit of District 4 Purchase Card use
• Criminal Trespass and Simple Battery Police Report
• Open Records Request Documentation on Commission District 4 contract particularly with H.S.I Systems & Consultants, Inc., RightThink Associates, Inc., and Empowerment Planners and Consulting Group. (Conflict of Interest Section)
2. Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and Judy Brownlee (according to the above article) used their P-card or purchasing cards for personal use which is prohibited to include:
• Barnes Sutton and her top aide put $75,000 on their purchasing cards since 2011, followed by Boyer’s office with $58,000.
• Barnes Sutton was missing receipts for more than $45,000 of purchases.
• Barnes Sutton also topped fellow commissioners in spending at retailers, such as Office Depot, Staples, Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Tuesday Morning, and Hobby Lobby.
• Barnes Sutton’s office spent about $24,000 at retailers for office equipment such as HDTV and $700 laptop, etc., while Boyer’s office spent about $19,500.
• Barnes Sutton used the Visa card (P-card) to pay a $130 speeding ticket, which she apparently received in January 2013. (see attachment for completed document)
• 8. Conflict of Interest – Sharon Barnes Sutton hired companies owned by her boyfriend (former), Warren Mosby and her executive assistant, Judy Brownlee, to perform duties and receive payments from the District 4 office despite the conflict of interest to include:
• H.S.I Systems & Consultants, Inc. is owned by Warren Mosby and Mosby received several contracts from Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton to include:
$1,336.00 – Design of program for YLA Kick-off
$4,212.00 – District 4 Commissioner Newsletter
$10,000.00 – BOC Transition Advisory Capacity (see attachment)
• RightThink Associates, Inc. is owned by Warren Mosby and Mosby received contracts from Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton to include (alleged):
$20,000.00 – Professional Services for District 4
• Empowerment Planners and Consulting Group is owned by Judy Brownlee (Barnes Sutton’s top aid) and Brownlee received contracts and payment from Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton. We will provide the full list of contracts once we can verify the date Judy Brownlee started working for Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton (alleged). The partial list include:
$1,000 – Professional Consulting and Administration Services
$1,125 – Professional Consulting and Administration Services
9. Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and Judy Brownlee abused and allegedly violated county policy and local law by using the Purchasing Cards for personal use and neglected to reimburse the county for the full amount of money. The WSB Channel 2 investigation on retail spending among DeKalb Commissioners identified the following violations to include:
1. Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and Judy Brownlee had 511 total purchases which added up to $75,583.33, to include 178 receipts or 34.8%.
2. The purchases with receipts total $29,901.63 and the purchases without receipts total $45,681.70. (see the attachment for complete information)
“Red Flag”: Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton deliberately and willfully misused her P-card dating back to October 2009, evidenced by:
A. Sharon Barnes Sutton was formally notified about her misuse of the P-card in two documents from Internal Audit & Licensing dated April 2, 2010 and October 12, 2011 (See Attachment). She was notified by Eugene O’Mard in 2010 and the document was sent to Dr. Michael Bell, Keith Barker, Kelvin Walton and Dale Dague (See Attachment). Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton’s office of BOC District 4 did not comply with DeKalb County P-Card policies and procedures. (see the attachment for complete information)
As a coalition, we call for an action plan to hold elected officials accountable and ensure their aides uphold policy and procedures, and the law to include:
• Request a 5-10 year audit (2003-2013) of Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton’s P-card use to evaluate if this was truly a mistake or a pattern of misuse which substantiates a violation of the law. If the evidence shows a pattern of abuse, we demand Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and others be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
• Require Sharon Barnes Sutton and Judy Brownlee to repay all monies for inappropriate charges on the P-card and/or charges paid by the county.
• Request the P-card use of every County Commissioner and their aides to evaluate if these actions are a systematic problem that extends to more than one or two commissioners (please include the Interim CEO Lee May and his aides as they represented Commission District 5);
• Request the information be forwarded to the District Attorney for prosecution if the Board of Ethic determines violation or violations of the law;
• Request the policy for P-card use be revised to include the Commissioners and all Board of Commissioners’ staff;
• Remove Sharon Barnes Sutton from office and terminate the employment of Judy Brownlee with DeKalb County and bar them both from ever working for DeKalb County in the future.
I, Viola Davis and Restore DeKalb, submit this Ethics Complaint and the amendment with the support of Restore DeKalb to hold Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and Judy Brownlee accountable for their alleged illegal actions.
Sincerely,
Viola Davis
Taxpayer and Voter in Commission District 4
Attachments Included
Amendment 1 to Ethics Complaint against Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and Judy Brownlee and Documentation Attachment.
Confidential