Metro Atlanta Leaders On Ellis Indictment

Fulton Commission chair John Eaves wouldn’t say whether or not Ellis should step down.

”I wish the best for Burrell Ellis. He’s a friend of mine. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family and I just hope justice will prevail.”

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also declined to say whether Ellis should step down, adding he hadn’t yet read the 15-count indictment.

“I believe Burrell Ellis is a good man and I’m not going to cast judgment before a court does,” said Reed. “Candidly, I’m just really upset to see a person who I think is a good person going through that, so I’m just going to reserve comment and let the judicial process play out. “

Reed said he’s going to “leave the rest to the good people of DeKalb County and the people at the state and the governor’s office.”

Governor Nathan Deal has received a certified copy of the indictment, triggering the creation of a three member advisory panel headed by Attorney General Sam Olens and tasked with weighing whether to remove Ellis from office. The panel’s recommendation is expected within the next month.