Marietta City Councilman Avoids Jail Time

MARIETTA, GA -- A Marietta city councilman convicted of a felony last week avoided jail time during his sentencing on Monday, and appears to be able to remain in office for time being.

A jury convicted Anthony Calvin Coleman, 58, of one count of making a false statement, for sending a letter from his city office to the city's probation department indicating that Coleman’s girlfriend, Terry Jones Mays, had completed 59 hours of community service at Marietta Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Jones had not performed any of her required community service. That letter was dated Dec. 15, 2013, but was given to the probation department on or before Dec. 10, 2013.

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Coleman was sentenced to 500 hours of community service, five years of probation and a $1,000 fine, according to the AJC.

Coleman was absent from Monday's specially called city council meeting. If he is removed from office, a special election would be needed within 30 days from the date of his dismissal.

Image: Marietta City Council