Darragh recusing himself from HCC probe

GAINESVILLE - Hall County DA Lee Darragh is recusing himself from the investigation into recent allegations and complaints filed against the county commission.

Darragh, in a letter to Richard Malone, says while he is both "qualified and capable" of making impartial decisisons in the case, he wants to remove any doubt that he might be "influenced" in his decision by the fact that the commission controls "a substantial percentage" of his budget.

In his letter, Darragh writes that he was contacted by the GBI "and asked for direction concerning whether a criminal investigation was warranted and whether the specific complaints constituted crimes."

A group of citizens had gone to the Hall County Sheriff's Office with their complaints and allegations, who subsequently met with the GBI.

Darragh writes that on March 11, the county commission voted to refer to his office the question of whether further criminal investigation is needed in the payments made by the county to "Omega Consulting Service d/b/a Carlyle Cox."

The letter requesting that Malone handle the investigation from this juncture is in response to the commission referral.

(Please see the link below to read a copy of Darragh's letter and supporting documents.)