Undercover investigation leads to charges against former county employee

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A former DeKalb County employee turned himself in Monday morning on charges that he accepted bribes to speed up building permits.

Nino Pender was responsible for examining and approving plans in the building department.

Investigators say he didn't compromise anyone's safety, but he made the process move faster in exchange for cash.

Pender is facing two counts of bribery. He's accused of accepting a total of $2,000 to help the Motel 6 on Chamblee Tucker Road get its renovations approved.

Police say they conducted an undercover operation and the hotel cooperated with the investigation.

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Pender had his first appearance at the DeKalb County Jail Monday afternoon. A judge gave him a $10,000 bond but let him sign himself out.

Pender quit his job with DeKalb County in early August after he was already under investigation.

He had worked for the county for about four years.

DeKalb County spokesman Burke Brennan said, “This kind of conduct is not tolerated, and we will be cooperating with law enforcement and prosecutors as this case progresses.”

Cox Media Group