A hearing on allegations Brian Pritchard voted illegally will be continued until February 2024.
Pritchard, who was a candidate for the State House District 7 won by Johnny Chastain, is serving as the vice chair of the Georgia Republican Party.
It is alleged Pritchard voted illegally in Georgia while on felony probation in Pennsylvania. The case was set to be heard Wednesday, July 19, in Gilmer County.
A continuance was granted in the case originally until Oct. 18, due to a medical leave of absence for Pritchard’s lawyer, George W. Weaver. A physician’s note was submitted which recommends Weaver not return to work because of complications from a recent surgery. Administrative Law Judge Lisa Boggs signed the continuance order July 13.
Attorneys for the State Board of Election objected, writing the hearing has been pending for seven months.
Judge Boggs granted the continuance, writing the petitioner did not identify an urgent need or why a delay would prejudice the case. On the other hand, she said a medical need was demonstrated by Weaver.
Weaver’s health was again the subject of the continuance.
According to the new order signed by Judge Boggs, Pritchard is to either state Weaver will be his attorney, George Weaver, Jr., who represented Pritchard for the purpose of the continuance will continue representing him as substitute counsel or Pritchard is seeking a new attorney.
Judge Boggs ordered Pritchard notify the court and opposing attorneys of his choice by Jan. 2, 2024.
Pritchard is accused of voting multiple times in Gilmer County while on probation for a trio of felonies in Pennsylvania. The votes are alleged to have taken place between 2008 and 2014.
Pritchard pleaded guilty in the Court of Common Pleas in Allegheny County to two counts of forgery-after writing and one count of theft by failure to make required disposition funds. He received probation, fines and was ordered to pay restitution.
He has said he has a pardon for the Pennsylvania crimes.
On Nov. 8, 2017, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles issued a pardon restoring Pritchard’s civil and political rights. Those rights included serving on a jury and running for and holding political office.
However, Liz Evans Scolforo, director of pardons and communications for the Office of Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, said, “The Pennsylvania Board of Pardons has no record for having issued a pardon for Brian Keith Pritchard.”
Judge Boggs signed the original order for the July 19 hearing. The case, she wrote, had been assigned Dec. 1, 2022, and a prehearing telephone conference had been postponed four times “due to the continued extension of a medical leave of absence” by Pritchard’s counsel.
“While the court recognizes the challenges facing the respondent’s (Pritchard’s) counsel, the fact remains that this case has been pending for five months with no significant action taken.” The court then set the July hearing, “to minimize further delay.”
Pritchard has previously denied the charges.
“They are allegations. Let’s be clear. I have not been charged with anything,” he said. “I think this is all a setup.”
In the latest order, Judge Boggs said once a court date in February is identified the parties will be notified.
“The hearing shall proceed on the selected date in February 2024, regardless of the status of Mr. Pritchard’s legal representation,” the order states.