This just in from the news desk in Raleigh, NC...

Former lottery commissioner Kevin Geddings, who was indicted on fraud charges last week by a federal grand jury and charged by the state this week with a lobbying law violation, is no longer in the public relations field.

Geddings, who says he is innocent of all charges, also is not a political consultant anymore.

In an e-mail message, Geddings said the ongoing investigations have forced him to close his political consulting and PR business, Geddings and Phillips Communications.

In recent years, Geddings had advised Democrats in the Southeast on media and political campaign strategies, including efforts on behalf of Gov. Mike Easley, Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue and North Carolina Senate Democrats.

Geddings also worked with lottery company Scientific Games, which paid him $228,796 over nearly five years, and then took a seat on the state lottery commission without disclosing the business relationship in required state filings.

Geddings said he's working from home, and looking for work.

COMMENTARY

I don't know about you but I am starting to suspect a connection between fraud and PR.