A special prosecutor has decided not to pursue charges against Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over his involvement in efforts to overturn Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential election loss in the state. Pete Skandalakis, the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, announced on Friday that he would not be bringing the matter to a grand jury. Jones was one of 16 state Republicans who signed a certificate stating that Trump had won Georgia, even though Biden had been declared the winner. He also joined other lawmakers in attempting to challenge the election results in court.
Jones’ involvement in the efforts to overturn the election results came under scrutiny after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who was investigating possible illegal election meddling by Trump and others, was barred from prosecuting Jones. A Superior Court Judge ruled that Willis had a conflict of interest as she had hosted a fundraiser for Jones’ Democratic opponent in the lieutenant governor’s race. With Willis unable to prosecute Jones, the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council appointed a special prosecutor to determine whether charges should be brought against him.
After conducting an investigation that included interviews with Jones and a review of evidence, the special prosecutor, Skandalakis, determined that Jones had not acted with criminal intent and therefore should not face charges. Skandalakis stated that Jones had acted in a manner consistent with his role as a representative of his constituents and had relied on legal advice when participating in the challenges to the election results. Jones has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintained that he was following legal guidance in his actions.
While the decision not to prosecute Jones may not end criticism of his actions after the 2020 elections, it is likely to bolster his position as Trump’s top surrogate in Georgia. Jones is widely expected to run for governor in 2026 and has been positioning himself as a strong ally of the former president. However, the decision could also lead to increased scrutiny of Willis, as senators close to Jones have initiated an investigation into her actions. The special committee created by the state Senate to investigate Willis could potentially subpoena witnesses and take sworn testimony.
The indictment against Trump and 18 others in August 2023 accused them of participating in a scheme to illegally overturn Trump’s loss in Georgia. While some individuals have pleaded guilty and others have pleaded not guilty, the case is currently on hold as an appeal of an order allowing Willis to continue prosecuting the case is pending. The allegations of a conflict of interest due to a romantic relationship between Willis and a special prosecutor hired for the case were dismissed by the judge, as long as the special prosecutor stepped down.
Despite the decision not to pursue charges against Jones, the investigation into election interference in Georgia continues. The special prosecutor’s findings may impact future actions and investigations related to the 2020 elections, as well as the political landscape in Georgia. Jones’ role as a prominent figure in Georgia politics and his alignment with Trump could continue to shape the discourse surrounding the election controversy. Ultimately, the decision not to prosecute Jones reflects the complex legal and political dynamics at play in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.
