June 9th 2024.
A former Assistant City Attorney from Atlanta, Shelitha Robertson, has been given a sentence of seven years and three months in prison for her involvement in a scam that resulted in the theft of around $15 million from the Paycheck Protection Program. This ruling was made by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg, following Robertson's conviction on December 19, 2023. The jury found her guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. In addition to her prison term, Robertson will also serve three years of supervised release.
According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan, Robertson's actions were driven by greed. She was able to deceive the government and obtain funds that were meant to provide financial relief to small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Buchanan also added that the authorities will continue to work with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who have stolen pandemic relief funds.
Robertson used the money she received to indulge in luxury purchases, such as a 10-carat diamond ring. Along with her accomplice, Chandra Norton, she submitted false tax documents to support the fraudulent statements made on the loan application. Robertson also transferred some of the funds to Norton and her family members.
During her court hearing, just hours before her sentence was announced, Robertson expressed remorse and stated that she had lost everything - her business, her license, and her assets. She emphasized that the only things she had left were her family and her faith in God, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Her sentence will be reduced by the six months she has already served in custody since her conviction in December.
The Paycheck Protection Program was created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, a federal stimulus program. Since its implementation, authorities have seized a staggering $78 million in cash from over 192 individuals involved in 121 criminal cases related to fraudulently obtained PPP funds. Many real estate properties and luxury items purchased with these funds have also been confiscated.
In other words, this case serves as a stark reminder that crime does not pay and that those who engage in such acts will face the consequences. We must all work together to ensure that financial relief funds are used for their intended purpose and that those who try to take advantage of the system are held accountable. This ruling should serve as a warning to anyone considering fraudulent activities in the future.
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