The Atkinson County Board of Elections & Registration has ruled that Pearson mayoral candidate John Allen Moore is not qualified to run for the office of mayor. The board of elections made its determination following a hearing in Pearson on Thursday afternoon.
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, two citizens – Derek Larry Harper and Courtney Ann Sutton – filed a written challenge to Moore’s candidacy. The basis of the challenge is an allegation of Mr. Moore having state income tax liens and falsifying his oath of candidacy by declaring he was not a defaulter on any federal or state taxes. The Board has also been presented separately with documentation showing a purported State of Georgia tax lien in the amount of $13,864.31, and a purported federal tax lien in the amount of $25,607.54.
During the hearing, Mr. Moore offered to file bankruptcy immediately to wipe out the taxes. Mr. Moore did not offer a payment plan and stated that he did not know he owed any back taxes. Based on the information presented at the hearing, the board ruled that Mr. Moore was not eligible to run for mayor of Pearson. He may appeal this decision in Superior Court within 10 days.
