U.S. Attorney: Barnes has conflict in Brooks case | www.myajc.com

Former Gov. Roy Barnes faces a potential conflict of interest by acting as indicted Rep. Tyrone Brooks’ lawyer, the government argued in court papers filed late last week.

Barnes has represented Brooks for free since the Atlanta Democrat was indicted by a federal grand jury last month. But in response to Barnes’ motion that the court appoint a second attorney to help with the defense, the U.S. Attorney’s office notes that as recently as 2012 the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials listed Barnes as one of two general counsels on its letterhead.

GABEO is one of two charities that Brooks is accused of defrauding of hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office argues that Brooks is not entitled to a taxpayer-funded attorney and said the court should consider whether Barnes’ conflict prevents him from serving as Brooks’ attorney.

“Governor Barnes finds himself representing both Brooks, who is the current president of GABEO, and GABEO, a victim, in the same case,” prosecutors wrote.

“At a minimum,” the government said, “Brooks and GABEO must waive this conflict on the record.”

Barnes on Monday told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he never did any work for GABEO and is an honorary counsel only.

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