Author

Matt Scott

Matt Scott is a reporter, public records nerd and executive director of ACPC. He focuses on accountability journalism covering local government, policing and immigration.

Matt's Latest Articles

Former Atlanta Police Department Chief Rodney Bryant speaks at a press conference on Oct. 29, 2020, to discuss the joint task force, "Operation Phoenix." He was accused of defamation by Ricardo Haro for his comments during the press conference.
Defamation suit against former Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant will move forward

Ricardo Haro can now pursue his claim that ex-Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant knowingly defamed him as a gang-affiliated “repeat offender” during a high-profile 2020 press conference, despite records showing that was untrue.

Atlanta City Hall Tower, viewed from below. Vanessa Manley
Mayor promotes new Constituent Service chief who was subject of an inspector general investigation

The Office of Inspector General found that in 2022, Vanessa Manley used her position in the city for personal gain, failed to disclose outside employment and submitted a false invoice. 

Trans health care support signs at a Pride parade in London.
Federal judge permanently blocks enforcement of anti-trans healthcare bill in Georgia’s prisons

The Georgia Department of Corrections is prohibited from enforcing a state law that would deny gender-affirming care like hormone replacement therapy to incarcerated people suffering gender dysphoria.

Richard B. Russell Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse where Samuel Tunick had his first appearance hearing on the charge of destruction of evidence.
Federal agents arrest activist on evidence destruction charge
Cellphone with logo of American video surveillance company Flock Safety in front of business website. Focus on center-left of phone display. Atlanta police have used Flock cameras in immigration-related searches.
Atlanta police searched license plate reader network for immigrants, records show

The Atlanta Police Department said that it “has not assisted any federal law enforcement agencies with immigration enforcement activities this year,” but records reveal that on at least 15 occasions, investigators scoured thousands of cameras to track migrants. 

Matthew Cardinale sits beside the Savannah River.
Matthew Cardinale, 1981-2025, ¡PRESENTE!
Xavier de Janon, defense attorney for one of the Stop Cop City RICO and domestic terrorism defendants, speaks during a press conference following the May 14 status hearing.
Cop City RICO: Fulton County Judge intends to dismiss 61-person racketeering indictment

The Georgia Attorney General did not have the authority to indict 61 people on racketeering and arson charges in August 2023, judge says. Georgia law requires the state attorney general to obtain authorization from the governor for those charges.

Federal judge halts enforcement of Georgia law prohibiting gender-affirming care in state’s prisons

The Georgia Department of Corrections is temporarily prohibited from enforcing a new state law that had led to incarcerated transgender people being weaned off hormone replacement therapy and forcibly detransitioned.

A cinematic still of Jamie Mariscano, a white nonbinary person with medium-length dark blonde hair wearing a white t-shirt. Jamie is smiling. The setting is close to dusk, with long shadows. The sun frames left side of Jamie's face. Only the upper quarter of Jamie is visible. The setting is woodsy, with trees visible but slightly blurry in the background. The
Cop City domestic terrorism charge dismissed over speedy trial and due process rights violation

Jamie Marsicano was charged with domestic terrorism via warrant 29 months ago, but that charge remains unindicted. The defense says the lengthy delay is intentional and particularly damaging to Marsicano’s legal career, which remains on hold while the charge is pending. 

A voter in Lawrenceville, Georgia, holds up her "I Voted" sticker. On July 29, 2025, the Georgia Secretary of State's Office announced the Summer 2025 "No Contact" voter registration list.
Georgia flags over 200,000 voters for inactive status after audit