The defendants are members of the “Final Exit Network,” a national, non-profit organization that helps people end their lives.

Charges include offering to assist in the commission of suicide, tampering with evidence and violating Georgia’s anti-racketeering laws.

The Forsyth County grand jury on Tuesday indicted Thomas E. Goodwin, the Final Exit Network's former president, Dr. Lawrence D. Egbert, the organization's medical director, Nicholas Alec Sheridan, a regional coordinator, and Claire Blehr, a member.

The Georgia-based group was also indicted.

Three of the four were arrested in February 2009 after a Georgia Bureau of Investigation sting in which an undercover agent sought their advice on taking his life.

The group reportedly advises suicide-seekers to purchase two helium tanks and a special hood with which to asphyxiate themselves.

The GBI started investigating the group after the June 2008 assisted suicide of 58-year-old John Celmer of Cumming.

Defense attorney Don Samuel, who represents Egbert and the corporation, said his clients will be exonerated.

Tags: Georgia, assisted suicide, grand jury, Final Exit Network