Douglas City Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Olivia Pearson entered not guilty pleas Thursday in Coffee County Superior Court to four felony counts for her alleged role in election fraud activities that occurred during the 2012 general election cycle.
Pearson faces two counts of improper assistance in casting a ballot and two counts of false swearing after being indicted by a Coffee County grand jury last month. She was jailed on May 31, but quickly released on a preset bond. Thursday’s arraignment was her first appearance in court.
Assistant District Attorney Ian Sansot did not rule out the possibility of discussing a plea agreement in the case, but adds his office has no intention to dismiss the charges.
“We don’t make these cases just to get in news,” Sansot stated. “The case will be handled and move forward the same as any other case.”
Sansot added Pearson’s case could go to trial as early as October.
Three other Coffee County residents, who were indicted on similar charges last month, also entered not guilty pleas Thursday. For more information on these cases, click here.