Panel to weigh whether Tyrone Brooks should be suspended

Gov. Nathan Deal says he will appoint a panel Friday to decide whether indicted state Rep. Tyrone Brooks should immediately be suspended from office.

Brooks, a Democrat from Atlanta, was indicted last month on federal charges of wire fraud, mail fraud and filing false tax retus. He has pleaded not guilty.

The panel appointed by the goveor will include Attoey General Sam Olens, a state senator and a state representative. If suspended, Brooks would still draw his salary but his seat would remain vacant until either the next election or the case is resolved in his favor.

The goveor said Thursday he's selecting individuals who will be open-minded, fair and able to remove political considerations from the decision. The panel does not have the power to remove Brooks from office.