This is unedited video of the release on May 12, 2015 of the City of Demorest’s internal investigation into the apparent theft of more than $600,000 in city funds. The report was prepared by former GBI agent turned private investigator Mike Eason of Eason Investigations in Cumming, GA.
“We are the victim of a crime,” stated Demorest Mayor Rick Austin during the release of the report on May 12, 2015. “I have never heard of a vicitim having to hire an investigator, but that is what we did in the City of Demorest. We have doggedly pursued this investigation.” Former Mayor Malcom Hunnicutt and former City Manager Juanita Crumley are cited numerous times in the report. The report concludes, “the apparent disregard for their fiduciary responsibility contributed to an atmosphere ripe for theft and corruption.”
The report has been forwarded to the Habersham County District Attorney and GBI to determine if criminal charges are warranted. Austin says he hopes a special grand jury will be called to hear evidence in the case.
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