DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Two suspects in a DeKalb County schools racketeering case appeared before a judge Thursday afternoon.
Patricia Reid and Tony Pope had a bond hearing and are awaiting the judge's decision. Former DeKalb County Schools superintendent Crawford Lewis posted $200,000 bond Wednesday night. Cointa Moody, who is Reid's former secretary, bonded out Thursday. In all, prosecutors charged four people, including Lewis.
Reid and Pope are being held on a $1 million bond. Their attorneys argued that the bond is too high. Prosecutors said Reid could still use her influence to intimidate witnesses. Judge Cynthia Becker will wait until Friday to make a decision.
Prosecutors said the racketeering charges stem from $80 million worth of fraudulent construction contracts.
Patricia Pope, now known as Patricia Reid after a divorce, did not say a word when she surrendered to sheriff's deputies Wednesday evening at the DeKalb County Jail.
"We're going to fight the indictment. We'll see where it takes us, I think we'll be successful," said Reid's attorney Manny Aurora.
The indictment accuses them of using their positions with the school system to set up at least $80 million in fraudulent construction contracts and bids.
Reid's attorney said the accusations are false.
"Everything was done properly and for them to say that somehow she is so connected that she could rig these bids when they are sealed bids is preposterous. And so I don't know what the indictment says at this point, but if those are in fact the allegations, I feel good about our chances," said Aurora.
Some DeKalb County taxpayers said they were not surprised. Others said they were hoping for a different outcome.
"I don't know what to think. I was just hoping it wasn't true," said one resident.
"With so much going on today, it's not surprising. Nothing surprises me," said another DeKalb County resident.
Previous Stories: May 26, 2010: Former DeKalb Schools Chief, 3 Others Indicted