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Written by: A. Smith
Published May 13, 2025 @ 10:17 AM ET
HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. – A former Haralson County magistrate judge has been indicted on 20 counts of certifying false filings related to alleged misconduct while he was in office.
Brandon Heath, who served as the county’s magistrate court judge from 2009 to 2020, stepped down in August 2020 after the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission launched an inquiry into his conduct on the bench.
The commission’s Investigative Panel examined several allegations, including whether Heath interfered in an investigation involving someone he knew and used his judicial position to access information, whether he issued arrest warrants without sworn testimony from those requesting them, and whether he displayed inappropriate or unprofessional behavior while presiding in court.
That investigation concluded without formal charges after Heath agreed to resign and pledged not to seek elected office in the future.
Nearly five years later, a grand jury has formally charged Heath with certifying false filings, determining there is sufficient evidence to move forward with a criminal trial.
Paulding County District Attorney Robert Lane confirmed that the alleged offenses occurred in Haralson County but that the case was reassigned to his office due to a conflict. Lane’s office will handle the prosecution.
Heath is being represented by Carrollton attorney Jason Swindle.
Under Georgia law, certifying a false filing is considered a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Filing false documents more broadly can be charged as a felony, carrying penalties of one to 10 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, or both.