Cordele Municipal Commissioner Found Guilty in 2021 Case, Lawyer Challenges Verdict

CORDELE, Ga. (WALB) – The verdict is in in the case against a Cordele city commissioner.

A Cordele city commissioner was found guilty of certain charges stemming from a 2021 case on Thursday.

Royce Reeves pleaded guilty to violation of oath by a public officer, criminal trespass and obstructing an officer. He was found not guilty of the crime of obstructing an officer, disorderly conduct and count 4 of obstructing an officer.

Maurice King, Reeves’ lawyer, is contesting the verdict.

“According to the law, violation of the oath of office cannot be upheld,” he said.

King also says he is seeking a dismissal of the case because a state official lied under oath during the trial. he tells me the whole affair stems from a tragic incident involving Reeves’ close friend.

Reeves’ charges stem from an incident that occurred in June 2021.(walb)

In June 2021, Reeves learned that his friend had died in a motorcycle accident. When Reeves went to the scene, officers said Reeves abused his power in an attempt to get to the scene. Police also said that during the incident, Reeves pushed a state trooper.

“That’s basically what the fight has been since day one and of course we won that fight because the jury said it was a misdemeanor and not a felony, so it should not have been a violation of the oath,” King said.

Following the verdict, the town of Cordele must now decide whether Reeves will be suspended from his seat.

“We’re going to listen to Mr. Reeves’ attorney and make an assessment based on the facts and the arguments they make as well as our research,” said Tommy Coleman, Cordele’s city attorney.

Reeves was elected city commissioner in January 2014.(walb)

Coleman said he will make a decision about his seat before the commission’s next meeting.

Reeves will remain out of jail on bond and will be sentenced on Wednesday, December 4.

Right now, Cordele City Attorney Tommy Coleman is deciding whether Reeves will remain in his seat or be suspended from duty. Reeves was elected commissioner in January 2014.

Reeves will remain out of jail on bond and will be sentenced on Wednesday, December 4.

King said he plans to file for termination next week.

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