Senoia refers former officials to GBI over alleged improper payments; attorney calls it 'political revenge'
The city council voted to hand findings from a pro bono criminal probe to state investigators — but the lawyer for three former Senoia leaders says the case is frivolous and politically driven.
Source: times-herald.com
Senoia's city government has handed a criminal referral to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation targeting three of its former top officials — and the attorney defending those officials is firing back, calling the entire probe an act of political payback.
The Senoia City Council voted to refer findings from a pro bono investigation to the GBI, alleging criminal activity by former city officials, according to times-herald.com.
At the center of the allegations: improper payments to a former city manager over several years, with other former officials allegedly involved, according to times-herald.com. The city is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against the three men over the same underlying conduct.
The mayor announced the GBI referral following a closed executive session, noting that the GBI would likely coordinate with local police, according to times-herald.com.
Attorney Chuck Boring, who represents all three former officials, did not hold back in his response. He described the allegations as frivolous and characterized the probe itself as politically motivated retaliation by the current city administration.
politically motivated— Chuck Boring, attorney for former officials
frivolous— Chuck Boring, attorney for former officials
One of the former officials named in the referral now serves as a Coweta County Commissioner, adding a layer of regional significance to the case's outcome.
As of the most recent reporting, no public updates on the GBI investigation's status have emerged. The agency's involvement means the matter has moved beyond the city's own civil action into potential state criminal proceedings — a significant escalation that will now unfold on the GBI's timeline, not the council's.
Why it matters — A GBI criminal referral against three former Senoia leaders — one of whom now holds county office — could reshape local government accountability and set a precedent for how Coweta County handles allegations against elected and appointed officials.
⚠ Not yet confirmed
- The GBI has taken active investigative steps following the referral
- exact date April 2026
- specific names Harold Simmons, Jeffrey Fisher, William "Dub" Pearman
- $176,000 figure and six-year detail
- Mayor Scott Tigchelaar name and exact announcement wording
- exact quote 'political revenge' (paraphrased to 'politically motivated')
Sources differ on Nature and motivation of the investigation: Pro bono investigation uncovered alleged criminal activity by former officials (facebook.com) vs Investigation is 'political revenge' driven by the current administration and allegations are 'frivolous' (times-herald.com)
Reported by times-herald.com, thecitizen.com
