A Democratic official from Georgia, Vice Chair of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, Felicia Franklin, was discovered unconscious on the sidewalk outside a sports bar, as revealed in alarming police bodycam footage. The video captures the moment law enforcement officers encountered Franklin in this state.
Upon finding her, the footage also shows that Franklin became uncooperative with medics who were attempting to administer care.
The unsettling September incident, captured in bodycam footage recently released, shows police discovering Franklin lying on the ground outside a sports bar. Officers assist her to her feet, and she is later loaded into an ambulance on a stretcher. During the medical intervention, Franklin becomes uncooperative, screaming and thrashing.
In a subsequent police interview a few days after the incident, officers inform Franklin that they have evidence indicating she had consumed five drinks. This contradicts her claim of having only had a glass of wine and a cocktail. Franklin had initially asserted that she was spiked with a date rape drug, describing the experience as deeply personal and troubling. However, police contradicted her account, stating that there was no evidence of the drug in her system. Instead, the Democratic official tested positive for alcohol and cannabis.
Additional footage from inside the sports bar depicts Franklin being served multiple drinks and engaging in dancing.
Following the revelation of the incident, Franklin has been removed from her role as vice chair, but she still holds an elected position within the county.
The incident occurred on the evening of September 29 when police found Franklin unconscious outside the 404 Sports Bar and Grill in Morrow, Georgia. In the bodycam footage, she can be seen screaming and crying, expressing uncertainty about what substances she might have been given.
As emergency staff attempted to assist her, Franklin verbally abused them, leading to the need for restraint. Despite their efforts, she remained verbally aggressive, using explicit language and demanding the presence of her mother. When warned about potential arrest, she responded indifferently.
Ultimately, ambulance staff successfully transported her to the hospital, where her agitation persisted. In the video, her friend mentioned a recent sinus infection and medication, although police found no evidence supporting this claim.
Following her arrest, Franklin was voted out of her vice chair position on October 23.
In a statement, Chairman Jeff Turner said: “The video spoke for itself.
“What more can we say?
“We represent the citizens of Clayton County, and we have to make sure we present ourselves in a way that our citizens are going to be proud of us.”
During the meeting to vote her out, Franklin contested the action, deeming it unlawful. She declared her intention to run for the position of chairwoman of the board.
In a Facebook post, Franklin stated, “It is believed by medical professionals that I was drugged with a GHB pill, more commonly known as the ‘date rape pill,’ and this incident has shaken me to my core.”
“I will be working closely with authorities to ensure that justice is served, and I will also be advocating for improved safety measures at events like these.
“No one should have to go through what I experienced, and I want to thank all of you for your support during this challenging time.”
Contrary to Franklin’s claim, police asserted that there was no truth to the statement made by “medical professionals” about a “date rape pill.” Tests conducted on Franklin revealed the absence of GHB in her system, with only traces of alcohol and cannabis present.
Sgt. Scott Stewart of Morrow police clarified to Fox 5, stating, “We have found no evidence to support that she was, in fact, drugged with GHB.” Additionally, they mentioned having viewed videos depicting Franklin walking into the 404 Sports Bar & Grill unaccompanied and ordering multiple drinks.
“She had probably 3.5 drinks to 4 drinks, then a swig of a beer,” police added.
Police contend that CCTV footage reveals Franklin consumed three “That’s a home run” drinks, containing 40-proof Hennessy and Grand Marnier, at the 404 Sports Bar and Grill. Additionally, she had a glass of wine and took a swig from someone else’s beer.
In video interviews with police, Franklin is confronted with receipts, challenging her claim of having only two drinks. She responds, expressing disbelief, “I didn’t have five drinks… I had five drinks? I don’t remember having five drinks.” When presented with her bar receipt, she denies ordering certain items, insisting that others had them.
Although investigators found no evidence of drink tampering, a toxicology report detected cannabis in Franklin’s system, with no other drugs present. Sgt. Stewart stated, “She refused a blood test, but she did have a urinalysis, and it showed positive for cannabinoids, also known as cannabis.”
The 404 Sports Bar and Grill released a statement, assuring patrons of their commitment to safety. They acknowledged the unfortunate police investigation but expressed gratitude for the authorities’ prompt response and thorough inquiry, stating that the matter has been resolved.
