Atlanta, Georgia, January 28, 2026
The Fulton County District Attorney’s office announced it will not prosecute Patty Durand, a clean energy advocate, due to insufficient evidence related to allegations of stealing trade secrets from Georgia Power. Durand was arrested in October and faced serious felony charges. The decision highlights the importance of substantial evidence in legal proceedings, allowing Durand to return to her work in advocating for renewable energy without the burden of these allegations.
Atlanta, Georgia
The Fulton County District Attorney’s office has formally announced its decision not to prosecute Patty Durand, a recognized clean energy advocate and a frequent, vocal critic of Georgia Power, concerning allegations of stealing trade secrets. The determination, documented in a filing last week in Fulton County Superior Court by District Attorney Fani Willis, concludes that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the charges. This decision marks the resolution of a legal matter that began with Ms. Durand’s arrest several months prior.
Allegations and Arrest
Ms. Durand’s arrest occurred in October 2025, when she was taken into custody by Georgia Capitol Police. The charge leveled against her was felony theft of trade secrets. The specific item central to the allegation was a booklet, reportedly labeled as containing “Georgia Power Trade Secrets,” which Ms. Durand was accused of taking during an energy regulatory proceeding. Such gatherings are typically public forums where utility operations and future plans are discussed and scrutinized, making the context of the alleged incident particularly notable.
The accusation itself carries significant weight, as theft of trade secrets is a serious felony offense, designed to protect proprietary information critical to businesses. The very essence of such laws speaks to the careful balance society seeks between fostering innovation and competition, and safeguarding the intellectual property that underpins economic activity. For an individual deeply involved in public advocacy, facing such a charge represents a profound personal and professional challenge, a quiet yet heavy burden to carry as the legal process unfolds.
The Path to Non-Prosecution
The recent decision by the District Attorney’s office to forgo prosecution underscores the rigorous standards of evidence required in the legal system. In her official filing, District Attorney Fani Willis articulated that the available evidence did not meet the threshold necessary to sustain a prosecution. This finding points to the methodical, often unseen work of legal review, where facts are carefully weighed against statutory requirements, and the burden of proof rests firmly with the state. The legal system, in its diligent search for empirical reality, demands more than mere accusation; it requires demonstrable facts that can withstand the scrutiny of a courtroom.
For individuals like Ms. Durand, who engage actively in the public sphere, such legal proceedings, even when they result in non-prosecution, illuminate the intricate and sometimes unforgiving nature of public life. The period between an arrest and a definitive legal outcome can be marked by uncertainty, a testament to the human experience within the broader structures of law and governance. The resolution, though perhaps understated in its official pronouncement, brings a certain clarity to the matter, allowing for a return to the rhythms of daily life that were perhaps momentarily disrupted.
Broader Context of Advocacy
Ms. Durand has long been recognized for her tenacious work as a clean energy advocate, often providing expert testimony and critical analysis regarding Georgia Power’s operations and proposed energy projects. Her engagement has consistently focused on promoting renewable energy sources and advocating for consumer interests in energy policy debates. The alleged incident occurred within this broader context of active participation in energy governance, a domain where divergent views on environmental stewardship, economic development, and regulatory oversight frequently meet.
The dynamics between public interest advocacy and corporate entities are often complex, characterized by both collaboration and contention. Incidents such as this, where allegations of impropriety emerge, serve as poignant reminders of the societal tension points that can arise when stakeholders with differing objectives interact. They invite reflection on the boundaries of permissible conduct in public discourse and the mechanisms in place to resolve disputes, whether through legal adjudication or the more subtle shifts in understanding that emerge over time. While the immediate legal question regarding Ms. Durand is now settled, the underlying discussions about energy policy and accountability continue, shaped by the experiences and insights of all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who is Patty Durand?
Patty Durand is a recognized clean energy advocate and a frequent, vocal critic of Georgia Power. -
What was Patty Durand accused of?
Patty Durand was accused of stealing a booklet labeled as containing “Georgia Power Trade Secrets” during an energy regulatory proceeding. -
When was Patty Durand arrested?
Patty Durand was arrested in October 2025 by Georgia Capitol Police. -
What was the charge against Patty Durand?
The charge against Patty Durand was felony theft of trade secrets. -
Will Patty Durand be prosecuted?
No, Patty Durand will not be prosecuted. -
Why will Patty Durand not be prosecuted?
The Fulton County District Attorney’s office determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the charges against Patty Durand. -
Who made the decision not to prosecute Patty Durand?
District Attorney Fani Willis of the Fulton County District Attorney’s office made the decision not to prosecute Patty Durand.
Key Details of the Case
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Patty Durand |
| Role | Clean energy advocate, frequent critic of Georgia Power |
| Allegation | Theft of a booklet labeled “Georgia Power Trade Secrets” |
| Date of Arrest | October 2025 |
| Arresting Authority | Georgia Capitol Police |
| Charge | Felony theft of trade secrets |
| Prosecution Status | Not prosecuted |
| Reason for Non-Prosecution | Insufficient evidence |
| Deciding Authority | Fulton County District Attorney’s office (District Attorney Fani Willis) |
| Location of Decision Filing | Fulton County Superior Court |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
