ALBANY, Ga. -- Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has been informed of criminal charges against a member of the Dougherty County official and faces a decision over whether to temporarily remove her from office.
Prosecutor Joe Mulholland reported the indictment of school board member Velvet Riggins to Deal on Thursday. Riggins is accused of falsifying information on free or reduced-price lunch applications.
A grand jury indicted Riggins last week on two felony counts of theft by taking and public records fraud and a misdemeanor charge.
Under state law, Deal can form an administrative tribunal to consider the case. The governor has the power to remove Riggins from office until the case is resolved.
Riggins did not immediately return a message seeking comment that was left with her family.
(Associated Press)