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Prosecuting attorney declines charges in GBI probe of Bullock County public works; commissioners read counsel memo into record
Summary
The board read into the record a prosecuting-attorney counsel memo declining prosecution in a GBI investigation into county public-works contracting with Sand Creek Construction and related haulers. Public works leaders thanked commissioners and contractors for storm‑recovery efforts.
Bullock County officials confirmed in the meeting that the prosecuting attorney—ounsel for Georgia declined to approve criminal charges following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation into county public‑works contracts arising from storm recovery.
Public works director Dink Butler introduced representatives of crews and contractors affected by the investigation and asked that the county record the prosecuting attorney's counsel memo into the public minutes. The memo, read into the record, was dated Aug. 20, 2025, and stated the prosecuting attorney's counsel had reviewed the GBI investigative file and had "declined" to approve criminal charges. The memo referenced GBI case number 0500980825 and the Sand Creek Construction investigation.
The county also read a press release dated Aug. 21 that thanked public works staff, noted the county had fully cooperated with the GBI investigation, and expressed support for public works employees who led the storm recovery response. Chairman David Bennett's release text praised the department's efforts and said the county would continue to follow established policy.
Public comment and response: Public works director Butler and several commissioners addressed the emotional and reputational impact of the investigation. Commissioner Timmy Rushing (speaker identified as urging apology) apologized to contractors who volunteered during storm recovery and said the investigation's publicity may have discouraged contractors from responding to future storms. Chairman Bennett urged the county to "put this behind us" and move forward; Butler and other officials thanked commissioners for their support.
Why it matters: The GBI investigation had been publicly reported and raised questions about emergency contracting during storm recovery. The prosecuting attorney's counsel decision not to prosecute resolves the criminal-review portion of the matter in the state's prosecutorial office, though the county did not describe any civil or administrative follow-up beyond existing internal processes.
Ending: County officials read the disposition memo into the record and publicly thanked staff and contractors for storm-recovery work; the board emphasized moving forward with county operations.
