Executive Summary
- Incumbent Royce Reeves Sr. lost the Cordele Ward Two runoff election to Bernard Fenn, 224 votes to 270.
- Reeves is currently suspended from office by Gov. Brian Kemp following a review of his indictment.
- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation charged Reeves with RICO violations, gang activity, and marijuana distribution.
- Prosecutors allege Reeves engaged in financial transactions to aid the G-Shyne gang.
- Reeves previously faced suspension in 2022 regarding separate obstruction and disorderly conduct charges.
CORDELE, Ga. — Royce Reeves Sr., the suspended City Commissioner for Ward Two in Cordele, has been defeated in his bid for re-election following a runoff race against challenger Bernard Fenn. The loss comes as Reeves remains suspended from office by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp while facing serious criminal charges, including violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
According to official election results, challenger Bernard Fenn secured the seat with 54% of the vote, defeating the incumbent by a margin of 46 votes. Fenn received 270 votes compared to Reeves’ 224. Reeves had served on the city commission since his initial election in January 2014, but his tenure has been marked by recent legal and administrative challenges.
In February, Governor Kemp issued an order suspending Reeves from his position. This executive action followed the findings of a review commission, which included Attorney General Chris Carr and other local officials. The commission was appointed to determine if the indictment against Reeves impaired his ability to serve the public effectively. Based on their report, the Governor moved to suspend the commissioner pending the resolution of his legal case.
The charges against Reeves stem from a broad investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), which led to the arrest of 24 individuals. According to the GBI press release, Reeves is charged with marijuana distribution, gang activity, and RICO violations. Prosecutors allege that Reeves participated in a financial transaction involving funds he knew were derived from illegal drug sales, purportedly to assist the “G-Shyne” gang operating in Cordele.
Elizabeth Gibson, the attorney representing Reeves, issued a statement to local media emphasizing the preliminary nature of the charges. “My client has been formally charged with certain alleged offenses; however, it is crucial to underscore that these charges are merely accusations at this stage, and my client has not been convicted of any crime,” Gibson stated. She added that the defense is confident the facts will be fully explored through the legal process.
This marks the second time Reeves has faced suspension. Records indicate that in January 2022, Governor Kemp suspended him following separate charges of obstructing a police officer, disorderly conduct, and criminal trespassing. As of this report, a trial date for the current RICO case has not been set.
Administrative and Electoral Accountability
The defeat of an incumbent commissioner while under indictment highlights the intersection of state-level administrative oversight and local democratic processes in Georgia. While the Governor utilizes executive authority to suspend public officials to maintain trust in governance during active felony indictments, the electorate in Cordele has now rendered a political verdict independent of the ongoing judicial proceedings. This case illustrates the dual tracks of accountability for public officials: the legal system, which addresses criminal liability, and the ballot box, which addresses political viability. It is important to note that all individuals, including Reeves, are presumed innocent of all criminal charges until proven guilty in a court of law.
