CAMILLA, Ga. (WALB) - A bond hearing has been scheduled for Monday, June 2, at 9:30 a.m. in Camilla Magistrate’s Court for the city’s mayor, city clerk, and election superintendent.

Mayor Kelvin Owens, Interim City Manager Cheryl Ford, and former Election Superintendent Rhunette Williford were arrested and charged with election fraud and conspiracy to commit election interference. The arrests have shocked the community and raised serious concerns about the ongoing targeting of public officials who are meant to uphold the integrity of the local electoral process.

According to the Magistrate’s Office, Magistrate Judge Bubba Lamb was instructed to hold court on Monday following the arrests. By law, individuals arrested are required to appear in Magistrate’s Court no later than 24 hours after their arrest.

The legal reference states:

“Every law enforcement officer arresting under a warrant shall exercise reasonable diligence in bringing the person arrested before the judicial officer authorized to examine, commit, or receive bail and in any event to present the person arrested before a committing judicial officer within 72 hours after arrest.”

Mayor Pro Tem Dewayne Burley commented on the situation, saying, “The arrests have shocked the community and raised serious concerns about the ongoing targeting of public officials who upheld the integrity of our local electoral process.”

A Camilla resident also expressed frustration, stating, “When I heard just a while ago that they’re not going to take them to Magistrate’s Court — you’re supposed to take a person to Magistrate’s Court within 24 hours. That’s a violation of constitutional law.”

WALB’s Ashanti Isaac will speak with attorney Chris Cohilas for further clarification on the indictment and charges.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Camilla mayor, city clerk and election official indicted on election interference
• Camilla special election voting canceled after election superintendents resign
• Camilla mayor speaks to WALB following special election results
• Ga. Supreme Court issues new order in Camilla election case
• GBI investigating allegations of election interference in Camilla

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