Former Georgia Democratic Candidate Arrested on Felony Theft Charges After Capitol Hearing Incident
A former Democratic candidate for statewide office in Georgia is now facing serious legal trouble after being arrested and charged with felony theft in connection with an incident at the Georgia State Capitol. The case has quickly drawn attention not only because of the criminal allegations themselves, but because of the broader political and regulatory tensions surrounding Georgia’s energy sector.
Patty Durand, a former Democratic candidate for the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), was arrested Tuesday by Georgia Capitol Police following accusations that she unlawfully removed confidential documents during a public regulatory hearing. The arrest was first reported by Georgia Public Broadcasting and later confirmed by additional outlets.
Durand has long positioned herself as an outspoken critic of Georgia Power, the state’s largest electric utility, and the Public Service Commission that regulates it. She is the founder of Georgia Utility Watch, a watchdog organization that has repeatedly accused regulators and utilities of operating behind closed doors while ratepayers shoulder rising costs.
The arrest stems from events that unfolded during a PSC hearing focused on one of the most consequential energy proposals Georgia has seen in years.
What Happened at the Hearing
The hearing in question addressed Georgia Power’s request to dramatically expand electricity generation capacity to meet future demand. According to reporting, the proposal would add nearly 10,000 megawatts of new power to the state’s grid—roughly the equivalent of two additional Plant Vogtle nuclear facilities.
Much of that increased capacity is expected to support large data centers, a rapidly growing industry in Georgia that has sparked controversy due to its massive energy consumption and potential impact on consumer utility rates.
Durand has been a vocal opponent of the proposal, arguing that Georgia residents could ultimately be forced to subsidize infrastructure built primarily for corporate interests.
During the hearing, video footage reportedly captured Durand approaching a table where official documents were laid out for review. In the footage, she appears to pick up a booklet, briefly examine it, set it back down, and walk away. Moments later, she is seen approaching a different desk, taking another booklet, placing it into her bag, and exiting the room.
Georgia Power later alleged that the booklet contained protected trade-secret information and was not authorized for removal.
Capitol Police were notified, and an investigation followed. Authorities ultimately determined there was sufficient cause to charge Durand with felony theft.
The Charges and Investigation
Durand was arrested by Georgia Capitol Police and charged with felony theft, a serious offense under Georgia law. While prosecutors have not yet publicly detailed the specific contents of the documents involved, Georgia Power has stated that the materials included confidential business information related to contracts and infrastructure planning.
Georgia Power confirmed that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation proceeds.
At this stage, it remains unclear what Durand intended to do with the documents. Officials have not alleged that she attempted to sell, publish, or distribute the materials, nor have they specified whether the information was ever copied or shared. Those questions may be addressed as the case moves through the legal system.
Durand’s History With Georgia Power
The case has drawn heightened attention because of Durand’s long-running feud with Georgia Power and the Public Service Commission.
In an interview earlier this year, Durand criticized the PSC for what she described as excessive secrecy and lack of transparency in agreements between Georgia Power and large industrial customers.
“The Public Service Commission allows extremely heavy redactions under the guise of trade secrets,” Durand said at the time. “That means the public has no idea what data centers are actually paying, even though everyday families and small businesses are the ones absorbing the costs.”
She has repeatedly argued that contracts between Georgia Power and data centers are shielded from public scrutiny, preventing voters and ratepayers from understanding how pricing decisions are made.
Durand’s watchdog group, Georgia Utility Watch, has focused heavily on utility rate increases, energy infrastructure expansion, and what it calls “cozy relationships” between regulators and utilities.
Supporters of Georgia Power and the PSC, however, argue that trade-secret protections are necessary to preserve competitive business negotiations and prevent the disclosure of proprietary information.
Broader Context: Energy, Data Centers, and Power Demand
The controversy surrounding the hearing reflects a larger national debate about energy policy, infrastructure expansion, and the rapid growth of data centers.
Georgia has become a hub for data center development, attracting major technology companies seeking favorable tax policies and reliable power. But those facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity, raising concerns about grid stability and long-term costs.
According to The Georgia Recorder, approximately 60 percent of the new energy capacity requested by Georgia Power would come from expanded or newly constructed natural gas plants, while the remaining 40 percent would come from renewable sources.
Critics argue that expanding fossil fuel infrastructure locks consumers into higher long-term costs and environmental risks. Supporters counter that reliable baseload power is essential to economic growth and grid reliability.
The PSC hearing was convened precisely to weigh those competing interests—a process now overshadowed by the criminal case involving one of its most vocal critics.
Political Fallout
Durand’s arrest is politically significant because she previously ran for statewide office as a Democrat and remains a prominent activist in Georgia’s energy policy debates.
The Public Service Commission has traditionally received less public attention than other statewide bodies, but recent rate hikes, nuclear construction overruns at Plant Vogtle, and growing energy demand have placed it under increased scrutiny.
Democratic leaders have largely remained silent on Durand’s arrest so far, while Republicans have pointed to the case as evidence that activist rhetoric does not excuse unlawful behavior.
Legal analysts caution that the case should be allowed to proceed without political interference, emphasizing that an arrest does not constitute guilt.
What Happens Next
Durand is expected to appear in court for an initial hearing, where prosecutors will outline the evidence supporting the felony theft charge. Her legal team has not yet issued a detailed public statement addressing the allegations.
If convicted, the charge could carry significant penalties, including fines and potential jail time. The case could also affect Durand’s credibility and future involvement in public advocacy efforts.
Meanwhile, the PSC’s deliberations on Georgia Power’s expansion proposal continue, with regulators expected to weigh economic, environmental, and consumer-impact considerations in the coming months.
A Case With Wider Implications
Beyond the fate of one political activist, the case underscores the intense pressure surrounding energy policy decisions that affect millions of residents.
At a time when utility costs are rising nationwide and trust in public institutions is strained, the arrest highlights the fine line between aggressive advocacy and alleged criminal conduct.
Whether Durand’s actions were a deliberate attempt to expose what she viewed as secrecy—or a clear violation of the law—will ultimately be decided in court.
For now, the incident has added another layer of controversy to an already contentious debate over power, transparency, and accountability in Georgia.