Former Georgia judge charged with fraud, conspiracy, and extortion

Tools

Former Georgia judge charged with fraud, conspiracy, and extortion

Story Published: Jul 18, 2008 at 4:54 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 18, 2008 at 9:09 PM EDT

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) - A former Clinch County Superior Court judge
faces federal charges including fraud, conspiracy and extortion in an indictment alleging widespread corruption.

FBI agents arrested Brooks E. Blitch III on Friday morning and transported the ex-judge to Macon, where he awaits an initial court
appearance.

Blitch was a judge for nearly 28 years in south Georgia's Alapaha Judicial Circuit. He resigned in May to avoid judicial misconduct charges by the state.

Also charged in the indictment are Berrien Sutton, a former judge in Clinch County State Court, and his wife, Lisa Sutton. Two others, attorney George Bessonette and Hayward Collier, also face charges.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WAGT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

WAGT Weather

Click here for 7 Day Forecast
Icon
Current Temp 84 °F
A Few Clouds
More Weather

WAGT Weather

On Demand
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On TonightFull Schedule

8:00
chuck
9:00
heroes
10:00
life
11:00
nbc augusta news
11:35
the tonight show with jay leno

Viewer Poll

Who do you think won Thursday's vice presidential debate?

  • Joe Biden
  • Sarah Palin
  • Tie/not sure