Dwight Brown indcitment includes 31 charges of theft, racketeering, and making false statements

In April 2009 the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Dwight Brown's home, office at Cobb EMC, and the homes of three Cobb EMC Board Members had been searched by GBI agents and Cobb County deputies. Read more here.  Cobb EMC has been a leader among five EMCs pursuing two coal fired power plants lead by Power 4 Georgians.    

Cobb EMC members became so concerned about the operations of their co-op that court cases have resulted as members have tried to participate in the operation of their own company as described in co-op bylaws. According to testimony during the air permit appeals in September of this year, Cobb EMC has still not complied with earlier court rulings pertaining to operations, and has yet to hold board elections as well. Find out more about efforts to Take Back Cobb.

Now in the early days of a New Year, Cobb members and coal plant opponents have a reason to continue their work. Today a Cobb County grand jury said that the practices of Cobb EMC's leader merit indictments which could result in 20 years of prison time for racketeering, and 10 years for the other charges.

While companies across the United States have abandoned coal as a profitable and responsible way to produce electricity, Cobb EMC and Power 4 Georgians have clung to outdated coal technology as the "best" solution for these five EMCS. FACE commends the work that Cobb EMC members have done to make sure that their co-op operates in the best interests of the members. Congratulations on a big step toward making your EMC one that responds to, and serves, its members.

Katherine Helms Cummings
FACE Executive Director