Douglas County tender rigging trial: Key witness testifies about “unusual” tender process

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Georgia. – Testimony concluded this week in the trial of several high-ranking Douglas County politicians accused of running a bid-rigging scheme. The case involves suspended County Commissioner Henry Mitchell, Tax Commissioner Greg Baker and suspended Commission Chairwoman Ramona Jackson Jones.

Prosecutors on Friday focused on testimony from Bill Peacock, the county's purchasing department director.

Bill Peacock, a retired county procurement officer, is a key witness in the case. His case was severed from the other defendants and he was granted immunity.

The prosecution plans to present the case to the jury by the end of next week.

“The commissioners made it clear to me that they wanted Mr. Knight to be awarded the contract and to provide the services required,” Peacock said.

Peacock took the stand for the second time that day, testifying that the now-suspended Douglas County Commissioner, Dr. Ramona Jackson Jones, approached him with complaints from a company about the original bidding process.

The state is trying to prove that Jones, Mitchell and Baker conspired to broker a county cleaning contract to small business owner Anthony Knight, who is also a defendant in the case.

“She described S&A saying they did not bid what was asked of them and they were not given a fair opportunity to make a bid,” Peacock testified.

Peacock explained that the proceedings were initially led by Gail Woody, who testified Thursday. However, Peacock said he questions the complaints because Woody has years of experience and professionalism.

PREVIOUS STORIES

Prosecutors also stressed that Knight submitted an identical bid to that of another company in the new tender. Peacock described this incident as highly unusual given his extensive experience with tenders.

“I felt like it was a really, really big coincidence that two companies had the same price… unusual,” Peacock said.

Prosecutors asked why Peacock did not intervene if he believed something was wrong.

“As a contract employee, I am required to do the work of chairman or…” Peacock replied.

Peacock also testified that after signing the contract, Knight demanded a higher price for the work than he had originally quoted.

The hearing is scheduled to resume on Monday morning at 10 a.m.