Cordele city commissioner found guilty in 2021 case, lawyer appeals verdict

CORDELE, Ga. (WALB) – A verdict has been reached in the case against the Cordele city commissioner.

On Thursday, a Cordele city commissioner was found guilty of several charges stemming from a 2021 case.

Royce Reeves pleaded guilty to violation of oath of office of a public officer, trespass and misdemeanor obstruction of an officer. He was found not guilty of obstructing the crime of an officer, disorderly conduct and count 4 of obstructing an officer.

Reeves’ attorney, Maurice King, is appealing the decision.

“Under the law, violation of oath of office cannot be valid,” he said.

King also said he wanted a state trooper fired for lying under oath during a hearing. He told me that the entire case stemmed from a tragic incident involving Reeves’ close friend.

Reeves' charges stem from an incident that occurred in June 2021. — Reeves’ charges stem from an incident that occurred in June 2021.(valb)

In June 2021, Reeves learned that his friend had died in a motorcycle accident. When Reeves arrived at the scene, officers said Reeves had abused his authority to go to the scene. Police also said Reeves pushed a state trooper during the incident.

“That’s basically what the fight was like from day one, and of course we won that fight because the jury said it wasn’t a felony, it was a rude act, so it shouldn’t have been a violation of oath,” King said.

Following the decision, the city of Cordele now has to decide whether to remove Reeves from his seat.

“We will hear from Mr. Reeves’ attorney and make an assessment based on the facts and arguments they make, as well as our investigation,” Cordele’s city attorney, Tommy Coleman, said.

Reeves was elected as city commissioner in January 2014.(valb)

Coleman said he will make a decision on his seat before the next commission meeting.

Reeves will be released from jail on bail and will be sentenced on Wednesday, December 4.

Currently, Cordele City Attorney Tommy Coleman is deciding whether Reeves will remain in his seat or be suspended. Reeves was elected commissioner in January 2014.

Reeves will be released from jail on bail and will be sentenced on Wednesday, December 4.

King said he plans to file for termination next week.

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