Embattled DeKalb Chief Addresses Employees, Vows to Stay on Job

June 24th, 2013

Recently indicted DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis maintained his innocence Monday before hundreds of employees in an assembly hall at the county government building in Decatur.

With his wife Philippa beside him, the embattled chief executive said he would not be stepping down from his job.

“First foremost, I have done nothing wrong. I want you to hear that directly from me.”

He urged employees to “stay focused” and “not get distracted.” Ellis vowed to do the same and addressed concerns that he’s been out of office too much, preoccupied with legal troubles.

“I don’t know what you may have heard and if someone thinks I haven’t been here I don’t know where they’ve been, but they not been paying attention because…I am fully committed to this job. I am fully committed to you and I am fully committed to the citizens of DeKalb County.”

Ellis has been indicted on 15 counts, including felony charges of extorting county contractors for campaign contributions.

After Ellis’ remarks, some county employees remained critical of Ellis and still believe he should step down.

“Things have been going on in this county that need to be looked at real hard and there’s a lot of mistrust with money that’s being spent in all departments and it’s gone on long enough,” said Mike Jackson, an employee in the facilities management department.

Others like IT employee Alvin Harper said Ellis’ appearance was encouraging.

“It’s always good to hear from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. I’m behind him a hundred percent. Matter of fact, I’m behind him two hundred percent. I hope he doesn’t let this affect his job performance and I hope he doesn’t let it affect his family,” said Harper.

Later, Ellis’ lead attorney Craig Gillan addressed the media. He didn’t take questions but he elaborated on some of the specific charges.

“There is nothing wrong with a public elected official seeking and accepting campaign contributions with individuals who do business with the county. Nothing wrong.”

Gillan said he can prove no pay-to-play occurred.

“You’re going to see in this case vendors who were called for campaign contributions who didn’t give and got county business.”

Alternatively, he said some vendors donated, but failed to win county contracts. The point, Gillan said, is no relationship between campaign contributions and winning county contracts.

Gov. Nathan Deal is currently forming a three member advisory panel heading by Attorney General Sam Olens to consider removing Ellis from office. A recommendation is expected within the next month.

WABE’s Elly Yu contributed reporting to this story.