Georgia insurance chief Beck declares his innocence, is suspended from office following indictment
Georgia Insurance Commissioner Jim Beck on Thursday declared his innocence but asked the governor to suspend him from office two days after federal prosecutors released a 38-count indictment accusing him of an elaborate scheme to steal $2 million from his former employer before winning the November election.
Beck, a Republican, on Thursday sent a letter to Gov. Brian Kemp - who had called for his resignation - asking to be suspended pending the outcome of the case. Kemp then signed an order suspending Beck, and the governor is expected to name a temporary replacement.
While he is suspended, Beck will continue to draw a $120,000 commissioner’s salary.
Beck, 57, who turned himself in to the FBI on Wednesday, was expected to face a growing chorus of calls for his resignation in coming days. Top Democrats had already said he should quit. Kemp joined in Wednesday, saying the indictment "severely undermines your ability to fulfill your official obligations." And his case is likely to be the source of much discussion at this weekend’s Republican Party convention in Savannah.
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https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/insurance-commissioner-beck-suspends-himself-from-office-following-indictment/IWwhYCfL21b80e1QltFvUI/
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