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On Thursday, November 21, 2024, a Crisp COunty jury found Cordele City Commissioner Royce Reeves guilty of Violation of Oath of Office (Felony), Obstruction of a Law Enforcement officer and Criminal Trespass in Crisp County Superior Court following a three-day jury trial before Chief Judge Robert W. Chasteen, Jr. Judge Chasteen continued the sentencing hearing until a later date and permitted Reeves to remain out of jail on bond.

The convictions stem from Reeve’s actions on June 10, 2021, at a vehicle and motorcycle crash on 24th Avenue in Cordele just east of the overpass bridge. Officers from the Cordele Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol were working the crash-site involving a fatality when Reeves approached the area. Using his position as a city councilman, Reeves attempted to enter the crime scene area and was denied entry by the officers. Undeterred, Reeves entered the crime scene repeatedly without permission and was repeatedly told to exit at various locations. Reeves continued to argue and curse the officers. When Reeves was placed under arrest, he again cursed the officer and pushed a state trooper. District Attorney Brad Rigby respresented the State of Georgia in the trial of the case, which was investigated by the Cordele Police Department and Georgia State Patrol. Reeves was represented by attorney Maurice Luther King, Jr. of Albany, Georgia.