Middle Georgia Prosecutor Resigns Amid Allegations of Case Dismissals and Judge Feud

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Michael Howard resigned as the state court solicitor in Washington County, Georgia, on July 11, 2023, amid allegations of improperly dismissing criminal cases in a deal with public defender Johnny Vines. The conflict involves Judge John Dana and Sheriff Joel Cochran, with accusations of mishandled DUI cases, including one where a man allegedly committed a violent crime shortly after his case was dropped. Howard, who had been in office since 2018, stated that harassment from Judge Dana influenced his decision to step down, while both he and Cochran maintain their innocence and welcome an investigation into the matter.