In March, three Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services employees were arrested for taking bribes from probationers. In addition to the three arrests, probation officers have sought to revoke the probation of numerous individuals who officers say bribed the three county employees. Authorities are also still trying to determine if the alleged corruption involved more Athens-Clarke County employees.
The Athens Banner-Herald has the story.
The accused Leisure Services employees supervised individuals sentenced to probation for misdemeanor offenses such as public intoxication and DUI. The employees kept track of the number of hours of community service each probationer performed. About six months ago, probation officers began to see irregularities in time sheets filled out by the employees. These irregularities sparked the initial investigation which ultimately led to the arrests.
So far, county employees Tracey Leon Woods and Charles Edward Robinson have been charged with bribery and making false statements. Thomas Lay Park has also been charged with making false statements. In addition, Joseph Siskey, a UGA student, was arrested for allegedly bringing friends of his who were on probation to meet with and bribe the employees. It is also unclear as to how many probationers may have their probation revoked due to their alleged involvement in the corruption.
