Ellis Takes Stand in Corruption Re-Trial

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Suspended DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis returned to the witness stand Monday in his corruption trial to defend himself against allegations that he coerced vendors into making political campaign contributions at the threat of losing county business.

Monday’s testimony brought forth the details of Terry Merrell, representing an Indiana company about to close on a county contract for sludge disposal when Ellis allegedly called Merrell and said he could make sure the contract was approved if Merrell made it worth his while. Ellis said in testimony Monday that he never called Merrell, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Ellis was suspended in July of 2013 after he was indicted on charges of theft, extortion, making false statements, and other charges related to allegations that he threatened to keep county vendors from getting business unless they donated to his re-election campaign.

The first trial ended in a hung jury in October of 2014 after weeks of deliberations had produced friction between jurors, squabbles between the judge and the jury, and no unanimous agreement on any of the 13 charges levied against Ellis. A mistrial was declared on Oct. 21, 2014.

Ellis is currently facing a nine-count indictment, WSB-TV says. Jury selection began on June 1.

Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee May has been serving in Ellis’ post since 2013 and recently stepped down from his seat on the county commission to allow his constituents a voice on the commission.

May himself is now under scrutiny from the FBI, who wants to learn more about allegations of preferential treatment concerning home repairs.