Acquitted in 2009 Federal Drug Case, Ga. Lawyer Is Arrested Anew by State Authorities
Acquitted less than a year ago in a federal drug and money-laundering case, after being accused of accepting drug money for legal fees, a Georgia lawyer has been arrested again. But this time the case is being pursued by the state.
Mark Shelnutt allegedly was caught on audio- and videotape dealing prescription drugs to a confidential informant, during a three-month probe by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and is accused in arrest warrants of doing so at his law office, among other locations, reports WTVM.
Arrested yesterday at the Columbus Government Center, he was charged with eight counts of distribution of a controlled substance and released on bond, according to the Associated Press and WLTZ.
He says he will fight the charges, asks readers to withhold judgment until the facts are known and implies in comments to the station that he may have been set up.
“People being promised their freedom, if they could do this, they wouldn’t have to go to jail,” Shelnutt tells WTVM. “Some people have been threatened that they will have their children taken away but they can save themselves if they sign a statement against me.”
Meanwhile, his law practice, he says, is open for business.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Attorney Acquitted in 36-Count Federal Drug & Money-Laundering Case”
