State Dems bring new allegations in so-called ‘pay-to-play’ scandal

by Mackenzie Petrie

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Republican U.S. Senate candidate, Derek Dooley, who is accused of being involved in a “pay to play” scandal with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, told a reporter with Access North GA he would, “absolutely” support an investigation amid the surfacing of the allegations.

“Absolutely, I don’t care,” Derek Dooley said. “When you got nothing to hide, whatever they want to see.”

For weeks, Governor Kemp and Derek Dooley have been in the hot seat, regarding the ties they both have to a high-profile security system, Centegix. Which was founded by Derek Dooley’s brother, Daniel Dooley.

According to WALB’s NBC affiliate, 11Alive, state records show the Dooley family company has received millions in Georgia school system contracts.

In a recent interview with WALB’s sister station Atlanta News First, Dooley said, “Everything they’re saying is absolutely false. There’s zero state contracts that my brother’s company has with the state of Georgia. All of the decisions based on school safety are made at the school board level.”

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON ANF’S ‘ON THE RECORD’ BELOW:

Now, Democrats say that statement contradicts state records.

“Centegix also received over $100,000 from the Georgia Building Authority a state agency whose board is chaired by Governor Brian Kemp. This is indisputably a contract with the state, which makes Dooley’s statement false.”
RaShaun Kemp, Member of the Georgia State Senate

Democrats are demanding an open investigation.

When asked about this new allegation, Dooley’s campaign team referred WALB to the Georgia Building Authority. With Governor Kemp serving as the chairman of the board, WALB reached out to his office as well.

“Neither the governor nor his office had any involvement whatsoever with this or any other contract related to Centegix. The same is true of any state contract with any vendor, as there is a very clear and impartial procurement process in place. You would have to ask GBA how they assessed and chose what security systems to use in keeping state properties under their management secure."
Carter Chapman, Press Secretary, Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp

WALB will update this story as it develops. Stay with us.

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