A Georgia state official accused of being a “fake elector” in 2020 will not face criminal charges, a special prosecutor said Friday. (Photo courtesy of Georgia government)
A Georgia state official accused of being a “fake elector” in 2020 will not face criminal charges, a special prosecutor said Friday.
Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones was one of 16 Republicans who were so-called "fake electors" who signed an unofficial election certificate at Georgia's state capital in 2020 in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election in favor of former President Donald Trump.'
Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, brought racketeering and other charges against Trump and some of his top allies, but was disqualified two years ago from investigating Jones because she held a fundraiser for his opponent.
On Friday, Pete Skandalakis, executive director of a group that oversees the state's prosecutors, said in a statement that he reviewed the evidence and found the matter "does not warrant further consideration," CNN reported.
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“The evidence reveals [former state] Senator Jones acted in a manner consistent with his position representing the concerns of his constituents and in reliance upon the advice of attorneys when he served as an alternate elector,” Skandalakis said. “The evidence also indicates Senator Jones did not act with criminal intent, which is an essential element of committing any crime.”
Jones fully cooperated with investigators, Skandalakis added, and could be called to testify at "any pending federal or state trial.”
“I have always wanted to tell my story in front of a fair and unbiased prosecutor, “ Jones told CNN in a statement. “I look forward to being able to focus on the work I was elected to do.”