THOMASVILLE, Ga. — A Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe of a City of Thomasville case continues.

On June 1, Mayor Greg Hobbs reported to the Thomasville GBI office that two city employees forged his name on a payroll document.

Both employees responded to the accusation via letters written by their Moultrie attorney, Robert D. Howell.

“The case remains open and active,” said Jamy Steinberg, special agent in charge of the Thomasville GBI office. “We will discuss the results of any evidence analysis, along with the information learned from our interviews, with the district attorney once all is received.”

Brad Shealy, Valdosta-based Southern Judicial Circuit district attorney, said the GBI sometimes issues warrants in a case, depending on what is found. Or, he said, there might be “nothing there,” and the case is closed.

If investigative findings go to the district attorney’s office, the case moves forward.

“We’re normally on the same page,” Shealy told the Times-Enterprise Tuesday.

Depending on facts, circumstances and charges, the district attorney’s office might charge someone through an accusation. Some charges go to a grand jury, Shealy said.

On behalf of Kha McDonald, interim city manager, and Vicky Bryson, executive assistant to the assistant manager, Howell wrote letters to Thomasville City Council members, Hobbs and Tim Sanders, city attorney.

Letters state that Hobbs made a false and defamatory report that McDonald and Bryson forged his signature on the payroll document.

According to the letters, Hobbs made the report June 1 to the local district attorney’s office and to the GBI.

Howell’s letter states Hobbs’ act of making a false report about Bryson to authorities “is itself a crime committed by Hobbs.”

Bryson will seek damages in a civil action against Hobbs individually and in his capacity as mayor and against the City of Thomasville.

The McDonald letter also seeks $1 million in damages on behalf of the interim city manager. Hobbs also allegedly falsely accused McDonald of forging his signature on the document.

Hobbs apparently disagreed with the amount of back pay for attending meetings. Information provided by the city shows he received $13,804.

Howell also represents Thomasville Police Chief Troy Rich and Thomasville Police Department command staff officers in an action relating to the alleged dissemination of and publication of false and defamatory information. The action also seeks $1 million from the city.

Letters on behalf of McDonald and Bryson state that Hobbs has engaged in fraud, waste and abuse of public funds by making false and defamatory reports in violation of Georgia’s Whistleblower Protection Act, abused his powers as an elected official, violated his oath of office, fiduciary duties and other violations of Georgia law, as well as violations of the city charter.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820