Federal prosecutors have filed a request to delay the trial for Augusta commissioner Sammie Sias, which was set to begin March 28.
Sias has pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court of charges he destroyed, altered or falsified records in a federal investigation and making false statements. The allegations center on digital files of the Sandridge Community Association in August 2019 while he was serving as city commissioner for District 4.
In a motion filed Monday, Feb. 28, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Rhodes and Tara Lyons wrote that because they have been engaged in other recent trials, they have not had sufficient time to prepare for Sias’ trial set for later this month. According to the motion, the Sias’ defense attorney does not oppose the request.
Allegations of misappropriation of funds for the Jamestown Community Center arose in 2019. The Sandridge Community Association contracted with the city of Augusta to operate the Jamestown center. Sias founded the Sandridge Community Association.
