From Staff Reports
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Several people have been subpoenaed to appear before a federal grand jury for inquiries surrounding former Murray County chief magistrate Bryant Cochran, according to people close to the case.
Several people with knowledge of the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said employees at the Murray County Sheriff’s Office were among those subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury in Atlanta this week.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the federal Department of Justice have been involved in an investigation since this summer into allegations that Cochran pre-signed warrants. They’ve also investigated allegations that a woman who accused Cochran of sexual misconduct had drugs planted on her vehicle. The criminal charge against the woman was eventually dropped.
Cochran has denied any sexual misconduct. While he has admitted to pre-signing warrants, he said through his attorney the pre-signed warrants were never issued or intended to be issued without a hearing first.
Investigators so far have been very quiet on their findings. GBI agent Jerry Scott declined to comment, referring questions to federal officials.
Sheriff Howard Ensley referred questions to federal officials.
Justice Department spokesman Kurt Erskine said his department’s policy is not to confirm or deny any investigation is ongoing.
“It’s just not something we’re at liberty to do,” he said.
