CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. --
A grand jury returned two indictments Thursday against a Clayton County deputy at the center of a bathroom recording scandal.
Clayton County sheriff’s deputy and spokeswoman Alicia Parkes is the subject of a criminal investigation over an alleged illegal recording. Prosecutors said she was on-duty when she used a cell phone to record audio of a co-worker in a jailhouse bathroom. She faces a charge of unlawful eavesdropping and surveillance.
“Her official duties do not include recording employees who are in a bathroom stall,” Clayton County Assistant District Attorney Lalaine Briones said in a Jonesboro courtroom this week.
According to an internal investigation, Parkes has admitted to making the recording, but she denied the allegations in an exclusive interview with Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne.
“No. I did not admittedly make a recording,” Parkes told Winne. “It’s just unfortunate that I’m going to have to defend myself against things that are blatant lies.”
But a judge denied Parkes the opportunity to testify before a grand jury.
Parkes was also indicted on obstruction charges regarding an unrelated incident in April 2008. At the time, she was a Clayton County police officer.
Clayton County police Officer Jeff Burdette told Winne he wanted to arrest Parkes on suspicion of obstructing fellow officers during a 911 call, but he was instructed not to. He said officers responded to a call involving Parkes’ relative, a minor. He said the relative ran from police and when he was caught, Parkes tried to pull him away.
“If you are doing something wrong, it doesn't matter who you are. I have written citations to my own mother,” Burdette said.
Channel 2 has learned that arrangements have been made for Parkes to turn herself in and her bond has been set.
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