GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating a pretrial diversion program operated by Gwinnett County Solicitor-General Lisa-Marie Bristol’s office following a request from District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson.
The program, known as PATH 2, allows people accused of minor traffic, hunting or fishing violations to avoid prosecution by making donations of up to $175 to designated nonprofit organizations.
The donation amount depends on the violation, with payments going to organizations including the Gwinnett Coalition and Georgia Wildlife Federation.
Bristol’s office has suspended the program while the GBI investigation is underway.
The solicitor-general has pushed back against claims that the program violates state law, maintaining that participation is voluntary and falls within her prosecutorial discretion.
Bristol’s attorney says the program is legal and that she is cooperating with investigators.
Bristol, who is facing reelection this year, has also suggested that the investigation may be politically motivated by Austin-Gatson.
Austin-Gatson requested the GBI investigation but has not commented on the matter.
A Gwinnett County grand jury previously examined the program in the spring.
The GBI investigation remains ongoing.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Judd Hickinbotham contributed to this story.