BREAKING: Prosecutor won't charge Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in 2020 election case

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones will not face criminal charges for his actions in the weeks after the 2020 election, including signing onto a slate of electors for former President Donald Trump after Joe Biden won Georgia’s electoral votes.

Three other so-called “fake electors” were indicted last August by a grand jury in Fulton County on criminal charges including racketeering. All three have pleaded not guilty. 

Early in the investigation, a judge barred District Attorney Fani Willis and her office from continuing to investigate or prosecute Jones after she held a fundraiser for his opponent in the race for lieutenant governor. Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, ultimately took over the investigation into Jones, and on Friday decided against charges.

“I find Senator Jones’ involvement and actions during the times in question to be within the scope of his duties as a Senator to address the concerns of constituents and that his participation in voting as an alternate elector on Dec. 14, 2020 was a result of relying upon the advice of attorneys and legal scholars,” Skandalakis wrote. “Therefore, this case does not warrant further investigation or further actions, and I consider the matter closed.”

Four defendants have pleaded guilty in the Fulton County prosecution. A judge has quashed some of the charges, but 32 counts remain, including the bedrock racketeering charge. The case is mostly paused as an appeals court weighs whether Willis can remain on the case following misconduct allegations. Oral arguments are scheduled before a three-judge panel in December, with a decision not expected until next year.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.