Kemp Extends Study Deadline Into Oglesby Indictment

Governor Brian Kemp has authorized an extension into the study to determine whether the indictment against Hart County Commissioner RC Oglesby is enough to remove him from his Commission seat.

In August, the Governor named a special committee to study whether Hart County Commissioner R.C. Oglesby should be removed from office.

In an executive order issued on August 20, the Governor appointed a three-member committee to look into whether the indictment against Oglesby is enough to remove him from his Commission seat.

Kemp appointed Attorney General Chris Carr, Commissioner of Georgetown-Quitman County Carvel Lewis, and Commissioner Doug Duncan of Columbia County to review the indictment against Oglesby and determine whether Oglesby’s alleged charges have adversely affected the citizens of Hart County.

The Committee had 14 days from August 20 to provide the Governor with a written report of their findings and recommendation.

That study was due to be completed by September 9th and the results turned over to the Governor.

However, the executive order issued this week states that because of scheduling difficulties due to COVID-19, the State Attorney General’s office has asked for an extension. 09.14.20.01

This latest executive order gives the committee until September 24th to issue their findings.

From there, Kemp will decide whether to remove Oglesby or allow him to stay in the office or remove him.

If the Governor decides the public interest has been adversely affected by Oglesby’s indictment he could remove him and would appoint someone in his place to serve out his unexpired term, which runs through December 31 and a special election would have to be held.

In February, a Hart County Grand Jury indicted Oglesby, his son Steven, and three other family members on 45 counts of violating the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and other crimes.

The indictment charges R.C. Oglesby with 13 counts of theft by shoplifting, alleging he stole items on numerous confirmed occasions from the Walmart in Hart County.