Chattooga County has filed a lawsuit against Zentell Communications, LLC, and Jonathan W. Allen, claiming breach of contract and fraudulent misrepresentation regarding a communications project set for late 2024. The lawsuit, filed in Chattooga County Superior Court, alleges that Zentell did not meet its contract obligations and misused county funds. The county had engaged Zentell through a competitive bidding process, with Allen submitting a bid and signing the contract to provide services.

According to the complaint, former County Commissioner Blake Elsberry authorized payments totaling $333,265 to Zentell for supposedly completed work. However, the county states that Zentell failed to provide essential documentation, including proof of labor and compliance with insurance and bond requirements, when auditors requested them during a review of federally funded projects. The county suspects the project was never finished and alleges that Zentell misappropriated its funds. Chattooga County is seeking damages equal to the funds paid, additional compensation for misrepresentation and fraud, and coverage for replacement services and attorney fees.

Former Commissioner Blake Elsberry took a job with Zentell Communications after losing the last election.  Up until recently, Elsberry’s LinkedIn account listed Zentell as his current employer as is evident in the screenshot above.  As of yesterday, Mr. Elsberry’s work history was wiped clean on that account.

Attorneys from the Palmour Law Firm are handling the case. Zentell Communications has not yet responded. This is a developing story.