Governor suspends Jackson from office as Mayor of Sparks
Gov. Brian Kemp recently suspended Earl Jackson from office as Mayor of the City of Sparks.
According to an executive order dated Aug. 11, 2023, and signed by Gov. Kemp:
“WHEREAS: On July 12, 2023, Mr. Earl Jackson, Mayor of the City of Sparks, Georgia, was indicted on two felony counts of Theft by Taking, and one felony count of Theft by Conversion; and
“WHEREAS: The indictment was transmitted to the Governor pursuant to Code Section 45-5-6(b), and the certified copy was received on July 13, 2023; and
“WHEREAS: An Executive Order was issued on July 31, 2023, appointing members to the Review Commission to determine whether the indictment relates to and adversely affects the administration of the Office of the Mayor of the City of Sparks such that the rights and interests of the public are adversely affected; and
“WHEREAS: By report dated Aug. 7, 2023, the Review Commission found that the indictment of Mr. Earl Jackson does relate to and does adversely affect the administration of the Office of the Mayor of the City of Sparks, and that the rights and interests of the public are adversely affected thereby; and recommended that Mayor Jackson be suspended from office pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 45-5-6.
“NOW, THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO CODE SECTION 45-5-6 AND THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY
“Ordered: That Mr. Earl Jackson is hereby suspended from office immediately and without further action pending the final disposition of the case or until expiration of his term of office, whichever occurs first, as provided in Code Section 45-5-6(c).”
Gov. Kemp appointed Attorney General Chris Carr, Mayor Jason Weaver of Screven, and Mayor Travis Wimbush of Blakely to the review commission.
On July 12, 2023, the Cook County Grand Jury returned a “true bill” of indictment against Jackson, 77, and Antoyo “Buck” Tucker, 42, who was serving as Sparks Public Works Superintendent at the time of the alleged offenses. Each was indicted on two counts of felony theft by taking and one count of felony theft by conversion.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) brought the case.
The Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which is pending in Cook County Superior Court.
