NEWTON COUNTY, GA — Gov. Brian Kemp has suspended Newton County Board of Commissioners Chair Marcello Banes for a third time as Banes awaits trial in December.

The latest suspension follows an August indictment that revealed new information that was not part of an indictment Banes was acquitted of earlier this year. Kemp’s executive order suspending Banes mentions new evidence related to his indictment.

Banes is awaiting trial on money laundering charges connected to a real estate deal. His trial is scheduled for December.

The suspension is set to remain in place until the end of Banes’ current term in office or pending the outcome of his trial.

The Newton County Board of Commissioners has called a special meeting for 6 p.m. Friday to come up with three possible replacements for Banes.

Kemp will choose from those three candidates to serve as interim chair.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Michelle Wright contributed to this story.