By Joe Johnson
Two weeks after the arrest on burglary and drug charges of newly-elected Georgia House of Representatives member Danny Rampey, Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday signed an executive order to have his District 119 seat filled.
Rampey arrested on Dec. 16 by Barrow County deputies. He was charged with unauthorized distribution or possession of a controlled substance, burglary and exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults, elderly persons and residents. The Barrow County sheriff said an investigation into the thefts of drugs from residents of a senior living community.
Rampey, 67, of Statham committed the alleged offenses at Magnolia Estates of Winder, where he was manager, the sheriff's office said. He had held that position for 38 years.
Rampey was elected to the state house in November's general elections and had been scheduled to assume office on Jan. 9.
According to the sheriff's office, an investigation was initiated after deputies "became aware of suspicious activity involving missing medications from residences at Magnolia Estates.
"Surveillance operations were used to assist in the collection of evidence of stolen medications," the sheriff's office said.
Rampey was charged with one count each of burglary, unauthorized distribution or possession of a controlled substance, and exploitation of elderly persons or disabled adults.
He ran for his seat in District 119 unopposed during the general election after winning the Republican primary.
According to Kemp's executive order, there will be a special election on Jan. 31 to fill the seat.