UPDATED: A former Northeast Georgia assistant district attorney facing criminal charges is speaking out about the 33-count indictment returned against him in Banks County.
"I am deeply disappointed and saddened by the decision to bring criminal charges against me," said Samuel Elias Skelton, former Piedmont Judicial Circuit assistant district attorney, in a written statement to AccessWDUN Friday afternoon.
Skelton, 32, of Royston was indicted June 2 on 33 counts of theft by taking. He turned himself in at the Banks County Law Enforcement Center in Homer on Thursday.
"During my time working as the assistant district attorney in Banks County, I always strived to serve the citizens, the local law enforcement agencies (especially the sheriff's office), and the other government agencies/officials to the best of my ability, given the very limited support, cooperation, and resources that I received," Skelton's statement reads.
"Although I am not allowed do so at this time, I look forward to sharing my 'side of the story' as it relates to these allegations against me." Skelton's statement reads. "I do not yet know all the details of those allegations, but I can say now that I am not a dishonest person. I am not a thief."
Last week's indictment followed a criminal investigation begun by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Aug. 28, 2015.
GBI noted in a prepared statement the case originated after the Banks County Sheriff's Office discovered irregularities in its evidence room involving Skelton.
After a meeting between District Attorney Brad Smith and Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed following that discovery, the GBI was requested to investigate.
That investigation uncovered thefts of court fines and fees by former ADA Skelton, according to the GBI.
"During this investigation, [GBI] did consequently file 33 counts against Mr. Skelton for theft by taking," said Banks County Sheriff's Lt. Carissa McFaddin. "He turned himself in to our facility on June 9, where he bonded out on a $31,000 bond."
Skelton was terminated from employment by the Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office, which serves Banks, Barrow and Jackson counties, on Oct. 6, 2015..
"I am thankful for those who have supported our family during this difficult time, when it is easy to rush to judgment," Skelton's statement concludes. "My family and I know that God is faithful — no matter what — and we wholly trust Him to bring us through this difficult situation."
A special prosecutor has been assigned from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council at the request of Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens.
AccessWDUN's Derreck Booth contributed to this report.
