Local

DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis' trial could begin within weeks

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has learned that DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis could stand trial on 15 charges within a few weeks.

On Thursday, the district attorney filed a request with the judge asking that Ellis' case be scheduled for trial in August.

Ellis is charged with theft by taking and attempting to extort campaign contributions from people who have county contracts.

Last week, the governor suspended Ellis from office, and if the trial does not start by Aug. 30, state law automatically gives him his job back.

The only exception would be if Ellis' defense team is not ready for trial and asks the judge to delay it.