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.
Reader Feedback
Tue, Nov 10, 04:07:04 PM
Anthone who has to delcare that they are "authentic" must presumably take the view that they are perceived as not being "authentic" - something which might be of concern in a PR company
Fri, Jul 31, 10:58:34 AM
Ray Durazo (the founder) sold the company to Dan in 1999. He was not involved in any of this. He (and I) found out about the lawsuit in the LA Times. In addition to embezzling this m [...]
Thu, Jul 02, 01:52:48 PM
Be careful using the word authentic too often. Might later come off as "synthetic authenticity"
Thu, May 07, 10:19:02 AM
Funny that such an article should appear on a blog no? You guys must be from New York.
Wed, May 06, 12:59:37 PM
I don't have a clue about PR. But, couldn't this move to 'authentic' just really be running away from anything 'virtual' at all, like all the other band-wagoners out there that never u [...]
Sun, May 03, 08:42:38 PM
I'm a totally authentic blogger. Edelman is in deep shit.
Mon, Apr 27, 08:40:57 AM
Makes me wonder what have they been doing until now?
Sat, Apr 11, 02:24:56 PM
Wow - I agree with Britton that its incredibly poor positioning. Rick also gives the kind of quote that's supposed to sound hip, clever and yet sincere, but it just comes across s [...]