Questions Persist About Ethics Staffer After Alleged Alcohol-Related Incident

“We did not take a decision one way or the other on her employment. She is still on administrative leave and her status is status quo,” said Kevin Abernathy, the commission’s board chair.

The board, however, did vote to give itself new power to directly hire and fire staff employees. 

Murray-Obertein was put on leave last week after a police officer and several state employees smelled alcohol on her while on the job. It was the second incident in recent months in which police were called as a result of Murray-Obertein’s behavior. In both, no arrests were made.

Murray-Obertein is a key witness in a pair of closely-watched whistleblower lawsuits which allege political interference derailed an ethics probe into Gov. Nathan Deal’s 2010 campaign.

Cheryl Legare, an attorney for Murray-Obertein, declined comment about both job-related incidents but Murray-Obertein previously has told the Atlanta-Journal Constitution she’s been diagnosed with an unspecified chronic condition and is taking prescription medication.

Ryan Splitlog of Common Cause Georgia says the incidents may raise credibility issues once the lawsuits go to trial.

“I think there’s definitely cause for concern that the information that she’s brought forward may be called into question because some of these things have been happening but we just don’t really know the nature of her problems. The incident report was definitely clear but at the same time she has a side of the story, too,” says Splitlog.

Legare didn’t offer that, but she reiterated Murray-Obertein remains a highly credible witness. 

Abernathy said Murray-Obertein’s employment status would likely be a topic for next board meeting, which has yet to be scheduled.