Acting DA Lamb: Deceased DA Hardin subject of investigation

AMERICUS — Lewis Lamb, the acting district attorney for the Southwestern Judicial Circuit, released a statement Tuesday that said deceased District Attorney Plez Hardin, who officials say killed himself on April 9, was the subject of a federal investigation related to financial and tax improprieties.

“I became aware of that investigation shortly before Mr. Hardin’s death,” Lamb said in the statement. “Following his death on April 9, I met with federal authorities concerning the matter. My immediate concern was whether anyone else may have been complicit in the wrongdoing.

“My understanding is that Mr. Hardin, not the district attorney’s office, was the subject of the investigation. No one else in this office had administrative access or control over the D.A.’s accounts at that time.”

Lamb said he has asked all six counties in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit to conduct a financial audit.

“As a result of this investigation, and based on my assumption of authority pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-18-16, I have asked all six counties of the Southwestern Judicial Circuit to participate in an audit of the finances of the District Attorney’s Office,” the acting DA said. “I want the process to be open and to have the participation of every county this office serves. An independent audit will help us learn whether anyone else may have been involved at any time, as well as the full extent of the losses.”

Lamb also said his investigation has revealed missing funds.

“A brief examination of the accounts of the District Attorney’s Office has revealed that there are, in fact, missing funds,” he said. “The total losses are not known at this time. I have consulted with the GBI concerning the matter. Once the audit is completed, the results will be turned over to the GBI and an independent prosecutor to proceed with further investigation, if needed.

“No one currently in the district attorney’s office had any administrative control or access to the office finances. The most important thing to me right now is to preserve the integrity and credibility of the office. This office will be transparent and accountable, so long as I have any control over the process. We have implemented meaningful fiscal controls over the district attorney’s funds, and we will provide financial information and reconciled books to every county in the circuit on a regular basis.”