ATLANTA (AP) — A panel assembled by Gov. Nathan Deal has recommended suspending indicted DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis.

The panel on Monday heard more than an hour of testimony before beginning their private deliberations and announcing their decision. The panel consists of Rockdale County CEO Richard Oden, Clayton County Commission Chairman Jeffrey Turner and Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens.

Prosecutors say Ellis tried to extort campaign contributions from companies and their employees. Prosecutors allege Ellis instructed the county's director of purchasing and contracting to prevent some companies from getting business because they didn't contribute to his campaign.

Ellis has denied any wrongdoing.

Although the panel has recommended suspending Ellis, Deal will make the final decision.