NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — Newton County Commission Chair Marcello Banes and Commissioner Stephanie R. Lindsey were both acquitted of several federal money laundering charges, though not all of what they faced in court, in July.
On Aug. 11, federal prosecutors introduced a third superseding indictment.
As it stands, both Banes and Lindsey face four charges each.
Banes has charges for making false statements, attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud, fraud by wire, radio or television, and stealing or embezzling public money.
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Channel 2 Action News reported when Banes and Lindsey were originally indicted in federal court in 2024.
An additional 16 charges for money laundering and making false tax returns were dismissed or acquitted.
Lindsey faces accusations of fraud and false statements and fraud by wire, radio or television.
An additional 11 charges for money laundering, submitting a false tax return and being involved in a money laundering conspiracy were dismissed or acquitted.
Hearings for both defendants are scheduled for Aug. 25 in a federal court in Atlanta.
Channel 2 Action News has reached out to attorneys for both Banes and Lindsey for comment.
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