Newly elected Georgia representative resigns after drug arrest

WINDER, Ga. (AP) — A Republican arrested after winning his race for a Georgia House seat decided to step down instead of facing a possible suspension as soon as he was sworn in later this month,

Danny Rampey’s decision means a special election will be held Jan. 31 to choose the new representative for the House seat based around Winder, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Rampey, 67, was arrested last month after investigators said he stole prescription narcotics from the retirement complex he manages.

Republican leaders were pressuring Rampey to stand down before new lawmakers were sworn in on Jan. 9, as the special election to fill the seat would only be for Republicans since Rampey had no opponent. Democrat in the November election.

Rampey’s removal “will ensure his constituents have a voice in this session of the General Assembly after the special elections are held,” House Speaker Jan Jones and incoming House Speaker Jon Burns said in a joint statement. the newspaper.

The newspaper was unable to reach Rampey’s attorney.

Rampey was charged in Barrow County with six counts of obtaining drugs by misrepresentation or theft, six counts of exploiting a senior or disabled adult, five counts of burglary and one count of drug possession.

Rampey and his family own a chain of personal care homes in northeast Georgia. Authorities said they began investigating him after missing prescription narcotics were reported.