FBI Agent, Source: FBI
Federal prosecutors have charged Newton County Commission Chairman Marcello Baines and local real estate broker Stephanie Lindsay with money laundering.
According to the indictment, Bains and Lindsay are accused of conspiring to launder funds obtained from fraudulent land deals.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia accuses them of using their positions for personal gain.
Read: FBI and North Carolina U.S. Attorney Warn of New Jury Fraud
Details of the claim:
Baines, 48, is accused of using his power as commissioner to manipulate land sales to obtain an illegal financial gain. Recently elected commissioner Lindsay, 52, is also accused of participating in the scheme and is also charged with tax evasion for filing false tax returns to conceal the gains. Baines and Lindsay are also charged with conspiracy to launder funds obtained through wire fraud and honest services wire fraud. Baines faces an additional charge of making false statements to FBI agents during a 2023 interview.
“By laundering the proceeds of their alleged fraud conspiracy, the defendants betrayed the trust placed in them by their clients, constituents and fellow commissioners,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Public officials who abuse their power for their own personal gain and undermine the public's trust in their institutions must be held accountable.”
“Baines and Lindsay have undermined public trust in Georgia government and businesses,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Kelly Farley. “This indictment serves as a stern warning that anyone who violates our laws will be held to justice.”
Read: Georgia prosecutors indict people for theft and fraud: A severe breach of public trust
“This is a case where a public servant violated the public trust to enrich himself and where a real estate agent, rather than serving his clients, assisted a public servant in his illegal activities,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman of the Atlanta Field Office. “Special Agents in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office are working together to bring lawbreakers to justice.”
These allegations against prominent members of Newton County leadership have cast a pall over local government. The Newton County Board of Commissioners will be calling an emergency meeting to address the situation, including Bains' future as chairman.
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