SBI submits case file on Charlotte City Councilman to Meck DA for review

CHARLOTTE — The State Bureau of Investigation has submitted its its case file on Councilman James Mitchell to District Attorney Spencer Merriweather for review.

The SBI said the DA will determine whether criminal charges are appropriate.

The inquiry comes as Mitchell has been under investigation for his ownership stake in the Uptown construction company RJ Leeper, which has multiple contracts with the city of Charlotte.

It’s against the law for an elected official to own more than 10% of a company that does business with the city. Mitchell claims he owns more than 10%, but will sell enough stakes to get below the threshold. RJ Leeper claims Mitchell owns nothing.

In September, Merriweather asked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to launch an inquiry into Mitchell.

Mitchell said he is thankful the SBI investigation is over. He added he hopes the case will be resolved by the end of the year.

“This has been an issue that has been over my head for quite some time and in my interview with the SBI agent, I kept saying ‘can we get this behind us in 2022?’” Mitchell said. “So I am looking forward. It is in the DA’s lap so he can give us a call and see if we can have a new year for everybody.”

“The file has been received and is actively under review,” the district attorney’s office said in a statement. “The DA’s Office will offer no additional statement until that review has concluded.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: City attorney: Incoming councilman can be sworn in, may face criminal penalties)

City attorney: Incoming councilman can be sworn in, may face criminal penalties

©2022 Cox Media Group