Julia Pierce | August 21, 2026

In a previous publication, I indicated that Marion County may have paid Herbert Gene Allen $11,650 to prepare the 2024 financial audit, which he did not complete. I indicated that county records show that he was paid for the audit that he had not prepared as of March 2026 and that David Benfield had actually prepared and submitted.

But what if I told you that at least one commissioner confessed that Herbert Gene Allen, of Americus Georgia was holding the audit hostage until the Board of Commissioners paid him 81,750. What if I told you that a group full of people may have in fact heard him say this?

In a previous publication, entitled “Marion County Candidates Show Up to Meet and Greet Hosted by Local Matriarch Heather Ralston,” I indicated that there were several candidates and citizens that showed up to a meet and greet that was held on May 3, 2026 at the old cafeteria at the Board of Commissioners’ complex on Burkhalter Avenue.

I brought forward the financial status of the county due to the delinquency that has been evidenced ad nauseam due to County Manager, Connie Harris, as to why our county is not eligible for grant money. When I shared about the meeting minutes reflecting Mr. Allen’s request for $81,750, the commissioners’ inquiry as to why the audit had increased $50,000, Mr. Allen’s inability to provide an answer, Mr. Allen missing the next month’s meeting where he was supposed to account for his fees, and then his appearance in which he indicated the audit would require $50,000, and that he would provide invoices.

Commissioner Shane Grier indicated that Mr. Allen was holding the audit hostage until they paid him.

Meeting Minutes that Indicate Herbert Gene Allen’s Alleged Extortion

April 8, 2025 (item f)

May 13, 2025 (item f)

June 10 2025 (item d)

Questions that Need Answers

Did the commissioners file a complaint against Herbert Gene Allen?

Did they know that Mr. Allen was already paid $11,650 for the 2024 audit, when he was requesting the 81,750?

Why was Mr. Allen still requiring $50,000 for an audit that he was supposed to have already performed and was already paid $11,650 for?

Was Mr. Allen extorting the commissioners as Commissioner Grier admitted?

What do you think?

If you have a story, feedback, or questions, please feel free to contact me at Plumblyne Productions by email at plumblyneproductions@gmail.com or call me at 229-329-2179. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and follow to stay up to date.