Panel: Kelly Marlow Can Remain in Office

Cherokee County School Board Member Kelly Marlow can remain in office while the case against her moves forward in the criminal justice system.

That was the decision handed down today by a three person panel appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to recommend if the board member should be suspended after she was indicted on false statement charges. 

"The review commission determined that the indictment does not relate to or adversely affect Marlow’s ability to perform her official duties," the governor's press office said in a news release. "The commission’s ruling is final."

The panel was made up of Attorney General Sam Olens, Cobb County School Board Member Tim Stultz and Forsyth County School Board Member Ann Crow. During its hearing Thursday morning, it heard arguments from Cherokee prosecutor Rachelle Carnesale, who said Marlow lied to the police in her accusations.

Marlow's attorney Brian Steel countered Carnesale's claims. The panel's deliberations were private. 

Marlow in October was indicted on four counts of making false statements in relation to allegations that Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo tried to run her and two others over after a June school board meeting.

Robert Trim, Marlow's partner and political advisor, was indicted on three counts of making false statements. Barbara Knowles, secretary of the Cherokee County Republican Party, was indicted on one count of filing a false report and four counts of making false statements.