Douglas County bid-rigging trial: Prosecution claims contractor was unqualified

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. - The first full day of testimony in the Douglas County bid-rigging case has concluded. The trial involves suspended County Commissioner Henry Mitchell, Tax Commissioner Greg Baker, and suspended Commission Chairwoman Ramona Jackson Jones. Testimony is expected to continue Friday morning.

It appears the state is working to build the case with witness testimony that all the co-defendants worked together to grant a bid to a small businessman and according to witness testimony, the business owner was not qualified for the job. 

Gail Woody was the second person to take the stand on Thursday. The now retired superintendent of building maintenance says she sent out the initial bids for a cleaning contract for county buildings.  

On Thursday, the state worked to build its narrative that the defendants conspired to steer a county janitorial contract to small businessman Anthony Knight, who is a codefendant in the case. 

James Worthington, who works with the county's Developmental Services Department, is currently on the stand. This morning, the jury heard testimony from Worthington as he was questioned by the state about contracts and janitorial work at county offices. Worthington revealed that he had initially received fair and useful bids but was advised to seek additional ones. He expressed dissatisfaction with the company ultimately selected, stating that they did a poor job and failed to honor their contract.

In court, Worthington testified, "Deficiencies were everywhere. There was very little being done as far as the scope of work goes."

According to Worthington, Knight's company, S&A Express, missed the original bid deadline, so Douglas County leaders canceled the first round, only to put the contract out a second time to assure Knight's company had the lowest bid and got the job. 

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Both Worthington and Woody testified that once granted the job, the small business owner failed to meet expectations and wasn't equipped for the job.  

Testimony resumes on Friday.