A Gwinnett County ethics complaint against Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp has been dismissed after a formal hearing, with the county’s Ethics Board finding no violation of ethics rules.
The board voted unanimously on Jan. 13, 2026, to dismiss the complaint and not sustain allegations that Holtkamp improperly used county resources.
Complaint focused on transit videos
The complaint, filed by Benjamin Culberson, alleged that Holtkamp violated Gwinnett County’s ethics ordinance by using a Ride Gwinnett bus while creating social media videos related to the county’s transit referendum.
The complaint questioned whether public resources, including county property or staff, were used in producing or promoting the videos.
Holtkamp disputed the claims.
“The complaint was actually poorly written,” he said. “It didn’t actually accuse me of doing anything wrong, only that I ‘may’ have.”
Ethics board review and hearing
During the evidentiary hearing, the Ethics Board reviewed whether Holtkamp violated Section 54-27(6) of the county’s ethics code, which prohibits unauthorized use of county resources.
Board members noted the complaint initially did not clearly identify a specific code violation but allowed the case to proceed after a section was later cited.
Both sides presented evidence before the board entered executive session to deliberate.
No evidence of misuse of county resources
According to official findings, the Ethics Board determined there was no evidence that Holtkamp improperly used county resources.
The board found that Holtkamp:
- Paid his own fare to ride the county bus
- Used personal resources, including his own email and credit card
- Did not use county staff, equipment or time
- Received no special access or benefit beyond what any rider would receive
The board also found the bus remained on its normal route and schedule and that no county staff were involved in filming beyond the driver.
Additionally, the board found no evidence that Holtkamp gained any personal benefit beyond that available to the general public.
Ethics complaint dismissed
Following deliberations, the Ethics Board sustained Holtkamp’s motion to dismiss the complaint and did not sustain the alleged violation.
The board recommended the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners close the case with no further action.
Holtkamp said he was not surprised by the outcome.
“I wasn’t entirely surprised,” he said. “It was a big issue with a lot of supporters.”
He said evidence presented during the hearing confirmed the videos were created independently.
“I created the videos with my own resources,” he said. “Evidence was provided to prove this during the hearing.”
Holtkamp said the experience strengthened his views on communicating with the public.
“It has given me a whole new perspective and appreciation for the freedoms that are available to me,” he said. “I am now even more confident in my rights to bring transparency to my constituents.”
Transit debate context in Gwinnett County
The videos at the center of the complaint focused on Gwinnett County’s ongoing transit discussions, including the 2024 transit referendum.
Holtkamp said his goal was to inform voters, particularly regarding what he believes are outdated population projections used in planning.
“The videos I made were to educate voters that the transit plan had been created around outdated population data,” he said.
He added that some residents in areas such as Buford and Sugar Hill may be experiencing fatigue from repeated transit proposals.
Gwinnett County has considered multiple transit-related measures in recent years, with discussions about future transportation funding and expansion continuing.
Holtkamp said he plans to continue producing content on county issues and public policy.
“Yes, in fact I have already created a lot of content, and also now have my own podcast,” he said.
