Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller fined $5,000 in ethics case
The Georgia State Ethics Commission found Miller violated campaign finance law by transferring $220,000 in contributions to a nonprofit where he served as CEO.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller has agreed to pay a $5,000 fine after the Georgia State Ethics Commission found he violated campaign finance law by transferring campaign funds to a nonprofit where he served as CEO, according to documents provided by the commission.
The State Ethics Commission filed a complaint against Miller in May 2025, alleging that between March and June 2024, Miller’s campaign committee moved a total of $220,000 in contributions to the Advance Alliance of Georgia Action Fund, Inc., a nonprofit he helped organize in August 2023 and where he served as chief executive officer.
Miller took office in January 2021 and won re-election in May 2024.
The complaint alleged Miller violated O.C.G.A. § 21-5-33(b)(2)(E) five times by transferring campaign money to a nonprofit in which he had a controlling interest.
According to the consent order, Miller disputed that he knowingly or intentionally violated the law. Miller argued that “controlling interest” should mean a majority ownership but agreed to resolve the case without pursuing that defense.
The order says Miller cooperated with investigators, turned over financial records and maintained that he believed he was acting within campaign finance law. It also said the funds transferred to Advance Alliance were later used for research, advocacy and donations to other nonprofit organizations.
As part of the settlement, Miller agreed to pay the $5,000 penalty within 30 days.
Macon-Bibb County released the following statement from Miller:
“I am pleased to share the resolution of an administrative matter before the Georgia State Ethics Commission through a consent order. The Commission did not allege or find that my campaign acted knowingly or intentionally, nor did it allege that I benefited personally.
The Commission further acknowledged the matter involved a legal gray area. In fact, prior to taking any action regarding the nonprofit, I consulted with legal counsel to make sure it was permitted.
I have always acted with the best interests of our community at heart. The Commission recognized this was a technical matter, not intentional wrongdoing. I worked cooperatively with them including providing all documentation to resolve the issue so we can all move forward. The board was aware of these transactions because I openly included them in my campaign disclosure in full transparency.
This agreement allows me to keep my full attention where it belongs: serving the people of Macon-Bibb County. We are making real progress in strengthening neighborhoods, improving public safety, supporting small businesses, and delivering results for our citizens.”
