DA: No time frame on GBI investigation of city

TIFTON — Almost three weeks after District Attorney Paul Bowden said the investigation into allegations against the City of Tifton would require additional scrutiny by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Bowden has not communicated to the GBI what areas of the probe require more information.

Mike Lewis of the GBI’s Sylvester office told The Gazette on Tuesday morning, “We’re waiting on further instruction from the DA.” When asked if he was waiting to find out what needed further investigation, Lewis responded, “Basically, that’s it.”

Bowden confirmed to The Gazette that he had not yet met with the GBI or communicated to them what he felt required additional scrutiny. Asked if he planned to meet with the GBI, Bowden said, “Sure I do.” Asked about a time frame for when that meeting might take place, Bowden answered, “There is no time frame.” Bowden added, “They (GBI) came by here and I was out of town, in court. As soon as I am here and they can be here, we’ll go over it.”

City of Tifton Vice Mayor Joe Lewis, when told of the latest update of the GBI probe, said, “We do want to cooperate fully and bring this matter to a conclusion.” Lewis said he thought the investigation “does impede our ability to move forward.” He said, “We stand ready to cooperate with the DA and the GBI.”

Lewis said city officials are not aware of anything “out of order,” but if there was, he said, “We want to know what it is and deal with it.”

Lewis said, “We welcome any inquiry.” He said it was important that the city be open with the public and said, “The strongest thing we have is our credibility.”

City Attorney Greg Sowell said, “We certainly have cooperated completely and will continue to do so.”

The history of the GBI probe is as follows:

• Dec. 6, 2007

At District Attorney Paul Bowden’s request, the GBI began an investigation into allegations that the City of Tifton improperly handled zoning requests.

• March 13, 2008

GBI tells The Gazette the investigation is complete and ready to turn over to Bowden.

• April 1, 2008

GBI delivers investigation information to Bowden.

• April 17, 2008

Bowden stated the GBI investigation of the City of Tifton would require additional scrutiny.

To contact reporter Jana Cone, call 382-4321, ext. 208.

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