Douglas County prosecutor to take over as Georgia ethics director

House Speaker David Ralston takes to the well during Morning Orders Monday, February 25, 2019 to address accusations that he has abused his authority. Several Republican lawmakers signed onto a resolution calling for Ralston to resign over his use of power to delay court proceedings for his clients as a criminal defense lawyer.  (Bob Andres/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
House Speaker David Ralston takes to the well during Morning Orders Monday, February 25, 2019 to address accusations that he has abused his authority. Several Republican lawmakers signed onto a resolution calling for Ralston to resign over his use of power to delay court proceedings for his clients as a criminal defense lawyer. (Bob Andres/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

ATLANTA (AP) - The Georgia State Ethics Commission has chosen a local prosecutor to serve as its new director.

News outlets reported the state ethics commission voted Monday to hire Douglas County Chief Assistant District Attorney David Emadi. He takes over the agency after previous director Stefan Ritter was accused of looking at pornography on state computers. Ritter resigned last month with a $45,000 settlement and promise not to sue the commission.

Emadi also served previously as an aide to House Speaker David Ralston.

Commission Chairman Jake Evans said Emadi's six years of experience as a prosecutor and his work as a former legislative aide helped persuade the panel to offer him the job.

Emadi was offered a $125,000 salary by the commission, which voted 3-1 to hire him. Emadi has also been politically active in the Douglas County Republican Party, and he donated $600 to Brian Kemp's successful campaign for governor.

Evans said it's important for the agency director to be willing to go up against people who have a lot of power.

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