ATLANTA — A judge confirmed the conviction of Jenna Garland, Kasim Reed’s former press secretary, for violating Georgia’s Open Records Act.
Two charges arose after a Channel 2 reporter asked to see water bills from city council members in early 2017. Garland texted a subordinate things like, “be as unhelpful as possible.”
Those records by law are a matter of public record.
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“When I fired off these text messages, I let my temper get the best of me. It was just one of these moments. I had a bad day,” Garland said on the recording.
Garland was convicted of two misdemeanor counts and a judge sentenced her to pay a $1,500 fine on the two counts.
In a ruling a Monday, a judge affirmed the previous ruling.
“The Court carefully considers the unique public nature of this case, the facts and circumstances of which it retains specific and detailed recollection, having presided throughout each day of the multi-day trial as well as over pre-trial motions and post-trial sentencing proceedings. Upon consideration of all facts and circumstances, the argument of counsel, and applicable law, [Garland’s] motion is DENIED,” chief judge Brian Rickman said.
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