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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Newton County Board of Commissioners’ chairman and a local attorney recently elected to the board have been federally indicted on several money laundering charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

Chairman Marcello Banes and commissioner-elect Stephanie Lindsey – who’s also an attorney and a real estate broker – are accused of unlawfully pocketing a $150,000 real estate commission. Banes allegedly lied to FBI agents during the investigation, while Lindsey allegedly filed false business deductions to reduce her income taxes after the payment.

“By allegedly laundering proceeds obtained from a fraud conspiracy, these defendants violated the trust placed in them by their client, their constituents, and their fellow commissioners,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said. “Public officials who undermine the public’s faith in our institutions by abusing their power for personal gain must be held accountable.”

Since 1999, Jasper, Morgan, Walton, and Newton counties have operated a Joint Development Authority (JDA), creating an industrial area to attract jobs and investment. Banes served on the JDA’s eight-member board of directors, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

In 2018, an unidentified company wanted to buy 40 acres. Banes coordinated an agreement between the company and Lindsey, ordering them to pay Lindsey’s realty group $150,000 after buying the land.

Once Lindsey received the payment, she gave $100,000 to Barnes through their new business entity, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Banes then allegedly used most of the money on a new house he was constructing in Newton County.

The company and other JDA members didn’t know about Barnes’ payment, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. In 2023, the chairman is accused of lying to FBI special agents in an interview, saying he didn’t know Lindsey was the sale’s broker.

“Banes and Lindsey undermined the public’s confidence in government and business in Georgia,” FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley said. “This indictment is a stern warning that anyone who violates our laws will be brought to face justice.”

Lindsey, who was recently elected to the Newton County commission, told Atlanta News First she is deeply disappointed by the indictment and looks forward to the truth coming out.

“I think as an attorney, as a role model and as a public servant in my community, I literally would never do anything to violate the law and jeopardize my reputation that I’ve built so long in the legal community and my community,” Lindsey said. “And it’s a big disappointment today.”

Atlanta News First reached out to Banes and his attorney and will update this story with a response.