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ATLANTA, GA --
Communications officials for Georgia Governor Nathan Deal's office has confirmed that Deal has suspended Velvet Riggins from her position on the Dougherty County School Board.

"Gov. Nathan Deal today signed an executive order that suspends Velvet Riggins as a member of the Dougherty County Board of Education pending the disposition of the charges against her or the end of her term, whichever comes first. A panel convened by the governor to examine Riggins’ case recommended removal from office. Riggins is currently under indictment" was the press release issued from Governor Deal's office.

Riggins is facing four felony counts after an April indictment. The charges include two counts of theft by taking, one count of public record fraud and one count of providing false information to obtain free school meals for a child.

Dougherty County School System attorney Tommy Coleman says there are multiple outcomes for this situation.  Coleman says Riggins could be acquitted and finish her term, she could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and allowed to finish her term, or she could be found guilty of a felony and permanently removed from her seat.  Riggins is currently running unopposed for re-election.