A former Georgia legislator intends to file a lawsuit against Clayton County for removing her from the vice chair position. This decision followed an incident where she was recorded shouting at medics who reportedly discovered her unconscious outside a sports bar, suspected of being intoxicated.
Felicia Franklin declared her intention to initiate the lawsuit after county authorities unanimously voted to remove her from the role of vice chair on the Board of Commissioners due to the September altercation, which was captured on body cameras worn by the police.
Franklin, who is also a candidate for the county chairman position, alleges in the legal action that the distressing incident outside the 404 Sports Bar and Grill in Morrow occurred following the administration of a date rape drug without her knowledge.
According to the lawsuit, her night took a negative turn, and she was discovered in a state of distress, crying and evidently vulnerable when the police arrived.
He stated that officers have examined surveillance footage depicting Franklin entering the sports bar unaccompanied and placing orders for multiple drinks.
According to the police, the video footage indicates that Franklin consumed three “That’s a home run” drinks, containing 40-proof Hennessy and Grand Marnier, along with a glass of wine and a sip from someone else’s beer. When the police arrived, the body camera recording revealed her lying on the ground outside the bar. Officers were observed lifting her onto a gurney while she remained unconscious, and subsequently, she began screaming, crying, and verbally confronting the first responders.
Following the incident, an additional video depicting Franklin being interrogated by the police reveals officers challenging her with receipts that substantiate she had consumed a greater number of drinks than she initially stated.
Investigators stated that there was no evidence suggesting interference with her beverages. They affirmed that a toxicology examination revealed the existence of cannabis in her system.
“It is believed by medical professionals that I was drugged with a GHB pill, more commonly known as the ‘date rape pill,’ and this incident has shaken me to my core. I will be working closely with authorities to ensure that justice is served, and I will also be advocating for improved safety measures at events like these. No one should have to go through what I experienced, and I want to thank all of you for your support during this challenging time,” Franklin posted on Facebook.
The police department has declared the case as resolved, citing the EMTs’ decision not to pursue charges. However, in late October, the board unanimously voted to remove Franklin from her role as vice chair, following residents’ calls for Governor Brian Kemp to take action.
During a meeting, Franklin allegedly deemed the action as illegitimate, expressing her intention to still contend for the position of chairwoman.
