Updated: State Representative Tyrone Brooks Pleads Not Guilty

UPDATE: According to the AJC, "State Rep. Tyrone Brooks Sr., accompanied by former Gov. Roy Barnes as his attorney, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to fraud and tax evasion charges."

Judge Alan Baverman allowed Rep. Brooks to remain free on a $25,000 bond until his trial.  Former Georgia Governor, Roy Barnes, reportedly told the judge that he is representing Tyrone Brooks for free.  The two plan to have a press conference on Thursday in Marietta.

Georgia State Representative, Tyrone Brooks, begins his fight in court on Wednesday as he faces Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman in regards to a 30 count indictment. Rep Tyrone Brooks represents District 55, and has a long history in the southwest Atlanta community and in the civil rights struggle.

Cascade Patch first shared the news of the indictment last week.  At the time, Special Agent in Charge, Mark F. Giuliano, spoke to reporters at the FBI Atlanta Field Office and stated:

Mr. Brooks exploited two charitable organizations for his own personal financial gain which came at the expense of the intended beneficiaries of the charitable donations. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to investigating individuals who use charitable organizations for their personal gain.

Mr. Brooks defrauded not only the donors but also the American taxpayer by evading his tax obligations. Tax compliance should and must be equally shared among all Americans.

According to the Macon Telegraph, "Brooks has also announced that he will appear at a news conference Thursday at the office of his lawyer, former Gov. Roy Barnes."