Special prosecutor named in Riggins lunch case

ALBANY, GA. — South Georgia District Attorney Joe Mullholland has been appointed as the special prosecutor to handle the case against Dougherty County School Board member Velvet Riggins.

Riggins was arrested earlier this month and charged with two misdemeanor counts of falsifying free or reduced school lunch applications and one felony count of Offense by a Public official.

Riggins is currently free on a $7,000 personal recognizance bond.

Mullholland was appointed after Dougherty County DA Greg Edwards recused himself because her personally knows Riggins.

Riggins arrest came on the heels of three misdemeanor counts each of falsifying free or reduced school lunch applications against Morningside Elementary School Principal Gloria Baker and her husband John.

Baker was suspended by the Doughty BOE for 15 days without pay.

Edwards said Thursday that his office will handle Baker’s prosecution while Mullholland will handle Riggins’ case. The DA also pointed out that the appointment of the special prosecutor will not cost the county any additional money.

The Baker and Riggins charges prompted School Board Chairman James Bush to call for an independent investigation into the DCSS free or reduced lunch program.

Bush’s motion passed by a 5-1-1 vote.