Forsyth Councilman Charged with Bribery in Federal Court, One Pleads ‘Not Guilty’

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The two Forsyth city council members charged with bribery were in federal court on Thursday afternoon.

Coucilman Desi Hansford was in the courtroom for an arraignment. He appeared with his attorney, Charles Cox, and entered a plea of not guilty.

James Calloway, who resigned Tuesday night, was in court for his first appearance. The judge set a $20,000 bond for the Calloway with the condition that he is not allowed to leave the state while on bond.

Calloway’s arraignment will be rescheduled one day next week His lawyer had to leave early. 41NBC was told he had a family emergency.

U.S. Attorney for the Middle Georgia District, Michael Moore, feels strongly about this case especially because it involves elected officials.

“This is a case that we feel like needs to be presented. It goes along with making sure that one of the priorities we have is addressing public corruption issues. People ought to have a right to and they do have a right in my mind to have confidence in the people they elect,” said Moore.

Moore expects the case to go to trial sometime in the next two to three months. He believes his team will be able to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.