By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald

In a case that embroiled two local candidates in court during the spring 2024 primary elections, a case against Effingham County Clerk of Court Jason Bragg has been dismissed.

The case was dismissed without prejudice Nov. 27 and filed on Dec. 2, according to court records.

The case filed by State Court Judge Stephen R. Yekel cast a cloud over the spring 2024 primary election where Bragg was seeking re-election for clerk of court, as was Yekel for state court judge.

Yekel garnered just over 42% of the vote in May while Melissa Calhoun was his closest competitor at just over 29%. A runoff was necessary since neither candidate secured 50% of the vote. Calhoun won the state court judge post in the June 18 runoff. Bragg lost to Walt Lawson in the May 21 primary. Calhoun and Lawson will take their new posts in January, 2025.

Yekel accused Bragg of revoking Yekel’s access to necessary court software in order to perform his duties as judge.

Court records state, “On or about March 18, 2024, issues arose between Judge Yekel and Mr. Bragg relating to an ongoing investigation of Mr. Bragg by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.”

Judge Yekel alleged that Bragg did not allow Judge Yekel or his staff “easy access” to court documents, “Respondent (Bragg) has failed to comply with the duties of his office.”

In July, Bragg countered with a motion to dismiss because Judge Yekel’s charges “fails to meet the high standards necessary for the court to issue a writ of mandamus.” The writ of mandamus allows the court to order public officials to perform their public duties.

Also, in July the case was assigned to Judge David L. Cavender, senior judge of the Superior Court.

The Herald has reached out to attorneys for both Bragg and Yekel and is awaiting their responses. This story will be updated when those responses are received.