STATESBORO, GA - Gary Lavon Lewis, 65, a City Councilman for the past 17 years in Statesboro, Georgia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a charge of attempted extortion. According to the Indictment, Lewis attempted to obtain $2,500 in cash from a local businessman in return for official acts, specifically, the passage of a local ordinance permitting drive-through alcohol sales.
Lewis faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Lewis is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove his guilt of the charge in the Indictment beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Statesboro office of the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney R. Brian Tanner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. Any questions should be directed to First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
