Ellis: “No plans” for stepping down in DeKalb | www.myajc.com

A defiant Burrell Ellis took to the stage twice Monday, once in front of more than 300 county employees, to make it clear he believes DeKalb County is on track – and he plans to be the one to keep it that way.

The two events, the second with his team of attorneys, were the first public appearances since Ellis spoke briefly to the media hours after a grand jury indicted him Tuesday on 14 felony counts, including extortion, theft and conspiracy.

Prosecutors allege Ellis shook down vendors for campaign contributions in exchange for securing or keeping county contracts.

Moments after again denying any wrongdoing and trying to rally county workers blindsided by the indictments, Ellis said he would not consider stepping down as CEO to focus on the charges.

“I have no plans to do that. None,” Ellis said in exclusive comments to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

By month’s end, Gov. Nathan Deal is expected to name a three-member panel to review the charges and recommend whether the governor should remove him from office until trial.

That uncertainty, and the 14 felony charges, drew a packed crowd of county workers to hear Ellis’ address.

via Ellis: “No plans” for stepping down in DeKalb | www.myajc.com.