Georgia Lawmaker Resigns As He Enters Federal Plea to Fraud Charges

ATLANTA (AP, WDEF) – Georgia Rep. Tyrone Brooks has resigned his seat in the state House of Representatives.

Brooks on Thursday submitted a letter of resignation to Gov. Nathan Deal. Court records show the Atlanta Democrat, who was indicted in May 2013 on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud and filing false tax returns, has a plea hearing Thursday afternoon in federal court in Atlanta.

Brooks, who was elected in 1981, said in the letter he wants to focus on civil rights work full time and made no mention of the federal charges.

Prosecutors say Brooks misappropriated funds meant for charity and used the money to pay personal and family expenses. Brooks previously pleaded not guilty. Barnes said at the time that Brooks may not be good at bookkeeping but didn’t commit a crime.

He did not refer to any of his legal problems in the resignation letter to the Governor, as you can see below.

Dear Governor Deal,
After 35 enjoyable and successful years in the Georgia House of Representatives, I have decided
to shift my priorities and transition back to fulltime Civil Human Rights work. I have decided to make the Moore’s Ford Bridge Lynching’s in Monroe, GA, my number #1 priority.
After leading the 12th Annual March on The Bridge on Saturday, April 4th, commemorating the 47th Anniversary of my Leader and Hero Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I made my final decision on Easter Sunday at the square in downtown Covington while remembering the 1970 movement, where I was almost killed by Sheriff Henry Odum Jr. Moore’s Ford is special because it’s been a part of my life since 1968. As you know, it was on Dr. King’s agenda from 1946 to 1968. So many of my colleagues involved in this movement have just recently passed including: Mr. Ed Brown, Camilla, GA, Mr. Ralph Ivey, Social Circle, GA, and Rev. Clarence Grier Jr., former Pastor 1st African Baptist Church, Monroe, Georgia. Additionally, Mr. Robert Howard is presently suffering from Alzheimer’s/Dementia plus many more others are declining in health. Other Moore’s Ford suspects and witness are also passing away rapidly. That’s why I have to devote all my time and energy to this movement before my time is up. Plus, we are raising a 2 month old, 5 year old, and 6 year old and a 17 year old.
Therefore I am hereby resigning from House District 55, immediately effective today.