The DeKalb County Commissioners are expected to meet on Tuesday after investigators searched DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis’ home and his downtown Decatur office on Monday.
Executing seven search warrants, authorities confiscated computers and boxes of evidence as the CEO was appearing before a special grand jury involving the watershed management department and its contracts.
Ellis appeared at the DeKalb County Courthouse on Monday. He said he was subpoenaed, and spoke to a grand jury for about an hour.
The grand jury was convened by DeKalb District Attorney Robert James in January 2012 to look into the possible improprieties in the water and sewer departments. James said he wanted to find out if individuals were manipulating the bidding process.
Ellis said all his relations with vendors have been above board.
“As the CEO of the county, I talk to vendors who do business with the county. Some of whom are watershed management, but no inappropriate contact with any vendors,” said Ellis.
Ellis told FOX 5 that the questioning was routine, and that he testified before the special grand jury in the past.
“We were here to talk to the grand jury about watershed management and the procurement process in DeKalb County. We’ve been here before. We’ve answered all of the questions truthfully and honestly and straightforward. And I’ve always directed my folks to cooperate with the grand jury, and make sure that they get all of the answers that they need,” said Ellis.
As Ellis answered questions before the grand jury, investigators carried out seven search warrants, including a search at the CEO’s West Ponce de Leon office and his home on Monday afternoon. FOX 5 reports investigators left Ellis’ home at around 1 p.m., carrying with them four boxes and a computer.
Read more: My Fox Atlanta
