DECATUR, Ga. -- It was a triumphant return to work for newly reinstated DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis.
"I'm excited, elated; thankful to God," he said.
Ellis stopped to acknowledge family, friends and supporters as he spoke with reporters before returning to his office for first time as the county's CEO again.
He was greeted by state and local officials like Congressman Hank Johnson and State Representative-elect Vernon Jones, the former county CEO.
Ellis told the crowd that he felt vindicated about the decision for the Georgia Supreme Court that overturned his conviction on corruption charges.
He was convicted in 2015 after a jury found him guilty of one count of criminal attempt to commit theft by extortion and three counts of perjury. A previous trial ended in a hung jury.
During his first few weeks as CEO, Ellis said he wanted to keep the county running smoothly, handle any emergencies that might come up and help make sure the transition for incoming CEO Michael Thurmond is a smooth one.
Ellis will serve out the remainder of his term, through the end of the year and Thurmond will take office Jan. 3.
When asked about running for public office again, Ellis left his options open.
"I don't say no to any option or opportunity. I'm just gonna move as God directs," he said.
