Former Long Co. chairman officially resigns after months of controversy, arrest

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Governor Brian Kemp has received and accepted the resignation of former Long County Chairman Robert Parker from the District 5 Board of Commissioners, effective immediately.

See acceptance notification below:

Current Long County Chairman James Craft confirmed to WTOC on August 4 they received an email containing a letter signed by Governor Kemp to this effect.

Long County’s attorney has reviewed the county charter and determined they are not in the position to appoint a replacement at this time.

Instead, they will attempt to place the vacancy on the Board of Commissioners on the ballot for the election being held this November.

Robert Parker was one of the people arrested in raids organized by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI in February 2025.

Parker faces several charges, including aggravated assault, violating Georgia’s racketeering act, three counts of theft by taking, and violation of oath of office.

In May 2025, the Board of Commissioners discussed removing Parker from office, but ultimately decided not to.

Commissioner Robert Parker had not come to a commission meeting since his arrest in February.