The Georgia Supreme Court has ruled in favor of former Vidalia Chief of Police Brian Scott in a lawsuit filed in Glynn County over four years ago when he was employed there as the Chief of Staff.

Scott was initially indicted by a Glynn County Grand jury in February 2020, along with former Glynn County Chief of Police John Powell for violating their Oaths of Office after allegedly failing to promptly investigate certain allegations of police misconduct, failing to conduct an internal affairs investigation into the alleged conduct, and failing to take administrative action related to the alleged misconduct of the officers. Most of the charges were eventually dropped, but superseding indictments were returned in August 2021. It was during that time that Scott was working for the city of Vidalia, who placed hm on administrative leave and eventually the Council terminated his employment with the city.

In October 2023, Scott appealed his indictment to the GA Court of Appeals who, based on the constitutional issues relating to the indictment, transferred the appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court. The Georgia Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case on February 8 of this year.

In a unanimous decision by the Justices of the GA Supreme Court, Justice LaGrua wrote, “For the reasons that follow, we conclude that the indictment in the issue is not sufficient to withstand the general demurrers and violates federal constitutional due process.”

Scott said after getting the news, “I am extremely pleased with the ruling of the Supreme Court Justices and give all the glory to God. I am also thankful for this wonderful community and all of the continued support to me and my family during this very difficult time.”

With the ruling, the case against Scott is effectively ended. Georgia law only allows an individual to be indicted twice for the same alleged crimes, and those allotted time have been exhausted.