Former Long County Chairman and current commissioner Robert Parker made a first appearance Friday afternoon in a Long County courtroom.
Bryan County Magistrate Judge Carolyn Shervette-Montgomery denied Parker bond upon request of the Long County Sheriff’s Office and state Assistant Attorney General, Prosecution Division, Micheal Tabarrok, due to Parker being a flight risk.
Parker’s attorney, Jason Clark of Brunswick, attempted to argue Paker was not a flight risk due to his being aware of the investigation for the past five months.
Parker is charged with three counts of theft by taking, one count of violation of oath of office, one count of aggravated assault, and a violation of the Georgia Racketeering Act (RICO). Fowler, a business owner who has done work for the county, is charged with two counts of theft by taking.
Parker and Tony Fowler were arrested Thursday and booked into Tattnall County Jail. Long County Sheriff Craig Nobles had requested the GBI investigate the county commission office several months ago.
“It was brought to my attention that were large amounts of money being paid out to some contractors. I requested the GBI come in and do an investigation,” Nobles said.
A shocking revelation came out during the hearing about Parker’s aggravated assault charge, which stems from Parker allegedly placing a gun into the mouth of a county employee.
Nobles said the investigation is not finished and did not know if any more arrests would be made.
“I have full confidence that all involved, if there is anyone else, will be held accountable,” he said. “But it doesn’t happen overnight. It didn’t get this way overnight. It’s not going to be solved overnight.”
Parker, who had been Ludowici police chief before stepping down in January 2024, represents District 5 on the Long County Board of Commissioners. He previously served as chairman of the commission.
“I’d like to thank the people of Long County for bearing with us through this burdensome time,” Sheriff Nobles said. “This investigation has taken a few weeks and I thank everyone for being patient with that.
“We are working together to bring the integrity back to the commissioners’ office as it should be so we can have confidence from the people in the county.”