News Summary
DeAndre Pickett has stepped down from the Georgia Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights following serious felony charges, including vehicular homicide. The charges stem from a fatal hit-and-run incident in College Park, where 53-year-old Joseph Banks III was killed. Pickett was under scrutiny after the victim’s family learned of his position on the commission and raised concerns. As the investigation continues, many are questioning the vetting processes for public officials and the impact of serious legal issues on their roles.
College Park, Georgia — DeAndre Pickett, a member of the Georgia Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, has resigned from his position following serious felony charges related to a fatal vehicular incident. Pickett was formally charged with vehicular homicide and hit-and-run in August 2024 after being implicated in the death of 53-year-old Joseph Banks III.
The incident occurred late in August when Joseph Banks III was struck by Pickett’s vehicle while crossing Old National Highway in College Park around 10 p.m. Witnesses reported that Banks died on impact from the collision. Following the accident, the Georgia State Patrol located Pickett and subsequently charged him with hit-and-run and vehicular homicide.
After his arrest, Pickett posted a bond of $50,000 and was released, remaining free for over eight months as the case continued through the legal system. Despite facing these serious charges, Pickett continued to fulfill his duties on the commission until concerns from the victim’s family prompted scrutiny of his position.
Latoya Banks, the sister of the deceased, uncovered Pickett’s role on the commission while searching for information about the case online. Shocked to learn that the individual accused of killing her brother was advocating for civil rights, she contacted the commission in late April, bringing attention to the situation. This action prompted further inquiries that ultimately led to Pickett’s resignation this week.
Legal representatives for Pickett stated that they could not comment on the ongoing case but expressed condolences to the Banks family. Meanwhile, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that the investigation is still active, indicating that further legal proceedings may follow.
Latoya Banks has expressed relief regarding Pickett’s resignation and her hope for justice in the upcoming court processes. The case raises questions about the vetting processes for public officials and the implications of serious charges on their service roles. As the investigation proceeds, both the community and the family of Joseph Banks continue to seek accountability and justice.
In summary, DeAndre Pickett’s resignation from his position on the Georgia Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights comes amid ongoing legal proceedings regarding his charges of vehicular homicide and hit-and-run after the tragic death of Joseph Banks III. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding civil service and legal accountability for public figures.
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- Fox 5 Atlanta: Georgia Civil Rights Official Resigns
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights
- Independent Mail: Anderson University College Commencement
- Google Search: Civil Rights Movement
- Atlanta News First: 7 Civil Rights Movement Reborn
- Google Scholar: Civil Rights Law
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Video Report on Civil Rights Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights
- WSB TV: Civil Rights Attorney Files Lawsuit
- Google News: Vehicular Homicide
