Douglas County corruption trial: Jury selection almost complete

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Georgia. – Attorneys are close to impaneling a jury to hear evidence in the Douglas County political corruption trial.

Suspended Douglas County Commission Chairwoman Romona Jackson-Jones, suspended Commissioner Henry Mitchell, current Tax Commissioner Greg Baker and small business owner Anthony Knight are accused of participating in a conspiracy to rig a bid for a cleanup contract in Douglas County.

Attorneys are working with five groups of potential jurors to narrow down the number of jurors who will eventually hear evidence in the case. A handful of court observers who are not directly related to the defendants have been present since Monday.

“We have a problem here in Douglas County,” said Caesar Gonzales, a Republican candidate for chairman of the Douglas County Commission.

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Gonzales says he will check in regularly to stay informed of what's going on. He is the Republican candidate for chairman of the Douglas County Commission. If Jackson-Jones defeats the charges, they will face off on the November ballot.

Jackson-Jones has already won her Democratic primary for another term. Earlier this year, she defeated Tarenia Carthan, a former county commissioner, with 55% of the vote to Carthan's 45%.

Gonzales says he will not change his campaign's approach. Although he is tired of county officials spreading negative messages, he assures that he will not rush to judgment.

“I will reserve judgment and leave the decision of guilt or innocence to the jury,” Gonzales said.