ACC Solid Waste Director Cleared of Any Wrongdoing

According to a letter from District Attorney Ken Mauldin, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has cleared Athens Clarke County's Jim Corley of any wrongdoing in how he handled scrap metal and an employee expense fund. Corley is the long-time director of the county's Solid Waste Department, which handles both recycling and solid waste.

A complaint against Corley was filed this past July by attorneys David Ellison and Regina Quick. It was reported in the Athens Banner Herald.

Here's the text of Mauldin's letter, sent to GBI director Vernon Keenan:

Director Keenan:

As you recall, I had requested the GBI to conduct an investigation into the Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department concerning the disposition of scrap metal and concerning the ACSW Activity Fund Account, including, but not limited to, deposits, expenditures, and the origin of any funds. You had agreed to authorize the investigation, which I appreciate. The investigation was completed and a report delivered to our office at the end of August, 2013, GBI Case File #11-0194-23-13. Additional materials were provided to my office within a week or so later.

This letter is to inform you that I have completed my review of the report of the GBI’s investigation in its entirety. Based on that review and after discussion with SAC Mike Ayers and Agent Rebecca Herold, I concur that there is absolutely no basis to conclude that any criminal wrong doing occurred in the Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department in any respect, including but not limited to the disposition of scrap metal and the handling of the ACSW Activity Fund Account. In fact, it is my opinion that Department Director James Corley acted at all times in the best interest of his department and with the highest ethical standards.

Again, I appreciate your agency’s independent review of this matter as such was important for this community. Agent Herold did an excellent job. GBI Case File #11-0194-23-13 can be closed. Thank you.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me. With kindest personal regards, I am Sincerely,

Kenneth W, Mauldin District Attorney 

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