A former Haralson County Magistrate Judge has been indicted on 20 counts of certifying false filings for alleged wrongdoings while he was in office.
Brandon Heath served as magistrate court judge from 2009 until 2020.
He resigned from that position in August of 2020, a short time after the Investigative Panel of the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission commenced an investigation into allegations of judicial misconduct that included:
- Whether Heath improperly inserted himself into the investigation of an acquaintance and improperly used the prestige of his office to obtain information during the investigation
- Whether Heath improperly issued arrest warrants without taking sworn testimony from affiants during his job as chief magistrate judge
- Whether Heath engaged in intemperate and discourteous behavior on the bench
The JQC investigation was resolved, and no formal charges were filed after Heath agreed to step down and not seek elected office in the future.
Now, five years later, a grand jury has formally accused Heath of certifying false filings and determined there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Paulding County’s District Attorney Robert Lane this week confirmed that the questionable actions are alleged to have occurred in Haralson County, but the case was ‘conflicted’ to Paulding County. His office will try the case.
Carrollton-based attorney Jason Swindle represents Heath.
In Georgia, certifying false filings can lead to misdemeanor penalties, including fines up to $1,000 and or imprisonment for up to one year.
Filing false documents in general can result in felony charges, potentially leading to a prison term of one to ten years, a fine up to $10,000, or both.
