DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — The former district attorney of Douglas County is coming to the defense of his long time former office manager and secretary who was indicted on theft charges.
In a 58-count indictment, Tammie Agan is accused of obtaining more than $7,000 through fraudulent billing of the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.
"It's an obscenity. Absolutely ridiculous, unbelievable." said former District Attorney David McDade.
McDade told Channel 2's Tom Regan that there is no truth to charges that Agan was double dipping: billing extra hours and pay for court transcriptions while also receiving her county salary.
"Absolutely no evidence exists that she stole any money. Every decision that was made in that office, about how it operated ultimately lands on my desk. Those ladies who did that work, did exactly what I asked them to do." said McDade.
McDade, who retired last year, was the target of a GBI investigation into the questionable use of office funds. He was cleared of criminal charges, but agreed to reimburse the county for several thousand dollars.
"I agreed to pay back $4,000 in expenditures for things in the office that were in a gray area. There were no charges. I agreed to pay that money just to put an end to it. They found no wrongdoing on my part, no criminal wrongdoing and now they're coming back six months later and saying 'Oh, well, let's charge a lowly secretary with overbilling,” McDade said.
McDade, who held the office for decades, decided against a re-election bid because of medical issues. He believes the indictment was a desperate effort by state investigators.
"I think what they're doing is trying to save face after spending, you know, sixteen to eighteen months, eight to a dozen GBI agents, two or more assistant attorneys general. How are they going to justify that saying, 'Well there's no criminal activity we're charging him with..' I think it's an abuse of power and it's not fair." McDade said.
Agan turned herself following her indictment Friday, July 25 and was released on a personal recognizance bond. She is accused of theft by taking, and making false statements and writings. Her lawyer told Regan his client is innocent.
"She's very upset. She didn't do anything wrong. She doesn't believe she did anything wrong." said defense attorney Frank Winn.
The Georgia Attorney General's Office, which is prosecuting the case said they could not comment on the indictment.
WSBTV