Brunswick commissioner James Brooks surrenders on racketeering charge

News4jax ^ | April 1, 2013 | News4jax

[Uncle Chip]

The Brunswick city commissioner charged in connection to the shooting death of a toddler last month turned himself in to Camden County deputies this morning for charges from a separate racketeering investigation.

James Brooks faces a six-count grand jury indictment involving soliciting bribes. He is accused of taking money from people in exchange for wiping their criminal records clean. He is also accused of taking money from people to help them get licenses needed to open a business.

When surrendering Monday morning, Brooks was accompanied by two women, and when asked if he had anything to say to his constituents, he would only say, "Good morning."

Brooks' attorney, Alan Tucker, told Channel 4 the charges are taking a toll on his client.

“Well of course he's feeling rather distraught. He hoped that after a year maybe this thing would die down a little bit,” said Tucker.

Brooks already spent three weeks in jail last year.

Tucker said the indictment is one-sided, and the truth will come out in court.

In the meantime, Tucker said he will try to work out a bond agreement for his client with the District Attorney. If they don't come to an agreement, Tucker said he will request a bond hearing, which could take place Tuesday.

Tucker said he is hoping for a proper verdict. According to the attorney, there's more at stake than Brooks going to jail.

Brooks was arrested last week in connection with the killing of 13-month-old Antonio Santiago murder. He was charged with obstruction of law enforcement and influencing a witness.

“The sad thing about this is that the commission Brooks is removed from, his office by the governor, that leaves approximately 16,000 Brunswick citizens who will have one less voice in their city government,” said Tucker.

[Uncle Chip]

Brooks was arrested last week in connection with the killing of 13-month-old Antonio Santiago murder. He was charged with obstruction of law enforcement and influencing a witness.

[Da Coyote]

Just wondering, was he a dim-bulb-crat or a dim-bulb-crat?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[submarinerswife]

He told the Mother and sister of the 17 yr old murderer not to talk to officers who approached them with questions about the weapon. He stood between them and the police outside of the court house telling them not to talk. He claims that he had no idea at the time that the police were looking at the two for lying to police and dumping the murder weapon in a pond.

[USNBandit]

He tried to stop an investigator from talking to on of the subsequently arrested family members of the murderer.

[Steely Tom]

“The sad thing about this is that the commission Brooks is removed from, his office by the governor, that leaves approximately 16,000 Brunswick citizens who will have one less voice in their city government,” said Tucker.

Yeah, that's a shame.

By the way... as far as Mr. Brooks' "characteristics," let's just say this: you'd be correct.

[Uncle Chip]

“The sad thing about this is that the commission Brooks is removed from, his office by the governor, that leaves approximately 16,000 Brunswick citizens who will have one less voice in their city government,” said Tucker.

Any citizens of Brunswick who need his voice are a sad lot.

[Hardastarboard]

Anybody know the man's political party? Oddly enough, it isn't mentioned in the article.

/bitter sarc, cause I'm 95% sure I know what it really is

[exPBRrat]

After 50 years of overturning the Constitution of the US as hostile to their interests why would any reasonable person expect Negros to respect the law?

Wherever they find themselves in charge ...chaos reigns. That what they do! It’s amazing they can even wipe themselves without a federal program of some kind.

[Moonman62]

“The sad thing about this is that the commission Brooks is removed from, his office by the governor, that leaves approximately 16,000 Brunswick citizens who will have one less voice in their city government,” said Tucker.

It's about time that people are held accountable for electing a crook.

[EDINVA]

I was sure this was going to be an April Fool thread.

[Dalberg-Acton]

Anybody know the man's political party?

If there were "truth in advertising" he would be labeled "communist thug".

[Josa]

his political party is “DIMocrat”

[tanuki]

Believe it or not, this dim bulb’s a Republican.

http://www.brunswickga.org/city-commission.html

[Uncle Chip]

Oh My —

James H. Brooks, Mayor Pro Tem
Phone: 912.554.0243 or 912.222.3217
Email: jbrooks@cityofbrunswick-ga.gov
Boards • Committees • Memberships
Faith Miracle Ministry Founder, Anquilla Freedom Project Founder and Executive Director, Golden Isles Minority Republican Caucus Founder, Glynn County Republican Party Member, Brunswick Branch of the NAACP Member, Georgia Municipal Association Member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference Member, Rainbow Push Member, Kiwanis Club Member, St. Andrews Holiness Church Member, Health Care Services of Georgia Owner, Catering by James Owner

[JouleZ]

So is Chris Christie but it doesn’t mean anything so these two.