Statement regarding suspension of Chairman Marcello Banes

NEWTON COUNTY, GA - Newton County Vice-Chair Stan Edwards shall preside over Board of Commissioners meetings and act as Chair, effective immediately following an Executive Order by Gov. Brian Kemp suspending Newton County Chairman Marcello Banes Aug. 1, 2024.

Banes was suspended from office following a review of the June 11, 2024 Federal Grand Jury Indictment by a committee appointed by the Governor.

The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in effect until either the final disposition of the criminal case or the end of the current term, whichever first occurs.

Edwards will continue in this capacity unless the Governor should appoint someone to fill the temporary vacancy. Newton County operations will continue uninterrupted under the leadership of County Manager Harold Cooper.

Edwards, the District 1 Commissioner, was named vice-chair Jan. 9, 2024. Section 2-103 of Newton County's Enabling Legislation provides for the board member designated as vice chair.

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