Judge Rules on Cordell Competency

The former Cartersville mayoral candidate at the center of both federal and state criminal cases was found mentally competent to stand federal trial on bank fraud, loan application fraud and money laundering charges.

Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson issued the report Monday and recommended Cordell's trial date be set at the court's earliest convenience.

“Mr. Cordell is not presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense,” Johnson said in his findings, which are attached to this article.

Cordell allegedly threatened the safety of the first federal judge in charge of the proceedings and others involved in his prosecution, which eventually led to a mental competency hearing. Read all the background on the case .

“Preponderance of the evidence shows that Mr. Cordell has sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyers with a reasonable degree of understanding and a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him,” Johnson said in the report.

It is unclear when Cordell's federal trial would commence. The state trial is on hold pending the outcome in federal court.