Former Albany Mayor Arrested in Gambling Investigation

Dr. Willie Adams Jr., former mayor of Albany, was arrested along with thirteen other people on Monday night on charges of illegal gambling.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigations executed a search warrant on a house in Jefferson Street after a lengthy investigation from information received that illegal gambling was taking place.

During the search, the GBI collected evidence including approximately $20,000 in cash and two firearms.

All the suspects, including a prominent real estate developer, Nelson “Bob” Brooks, were taken to the Dougherty County Jail. On Tuesday, the men were charged with misdemeanor gambling and released on $500 bond each.

Some of the suspects claim it’s just a friendly game of poker taking place between friends that they have been enjoying for years, however, law enforcers disagree as all forms of gambling in Georgia are illegal. The only exceptions are raffles and gaming that benefits charities.

Greg Edwards, Dougherty County District Attorney, commented on Tuesday that he was considering whether to recuse himself from the case as he has associations with some of the accused.  He went on to say that he would rather avoid any potential issues with the case related to this.

If Edwards does recuse himself, it is possible that the Office of the Georgia Attorney General will oversee the case.