Crime & Safety

John Fanning Has New Court Date in Gwinnett

He is serving a state prison sentence, with a federal sentence awaiting.

John L. Fanning, currently serving a state prison term for various charges, has a Thursday (Nov. 14) hearing in Gwinnett Superior Court in an effort to reduce his sentence.

Fanning's attorney said Wednesday that he will request that Fanning's prison sentence be reduced, so that Fanning can begin serving his federal term.

"I'm just trying to get him down the road" to federal prison, said attorney Harold Buckler of Buford.

Fanning was transferred to Gwinnett County custody Wednesday by state prison authorities on what is known as a production order.

Fanning is the son of former Duluth mayor and Gwinnett County Commissioner Shirley Lasseter.

Fanning pleaded guilty on Aug. 2, 2013, in Gwinnett Superior Court to charges of family violence, obstructing a 911 call, and criminal damage to property, according to a Gwinnett District Attorney spokesperson. He received a seven-year sentence, the first two years in custody.

Those charges grow from a 2012 domestic incident involving his estranged wife and children.

Fanning also has been given a federal prison sentence of four years, nine months in connection with his guilty plea to bribery and drug trafficking charges.

Buckler said the federal Bureau of Prisons wants Fanning's federal term to begin after his state term ends, not concurrent.

Lasseter is serving a federal prison term, as a result of a federal sting operation that also implicated Fanning.


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