A former Assistant City Attorney for Atlanta has been sentenced for stealing millions intended for pandemic relief and living lavishly on the proceeds.
Shelitha Robertson, a former Georgia attorney and City of Atlanta police officer was convicted and sentenced for fraudulently obtaining approximately $15 million in loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
According to the Gateway Pundit, a federal jury in the Northern District of Georgia found Robertson guilty of a massive scheme to misuse COVID-19 relief funds. Instead of aiding needy businesses, she used the funds to buy luxury items, including a Rolls-Royce and a 10-carat diamond ring valued at $148,000.
The 62-year-old was convicted of multiple fraud counts, such as conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud itself, and money laundering. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg sentenced Robertson to seven years and three months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced Robertson's sentencing. They emphasized the serious nature of her crimes, given that the funds were authorized under the CARES Act to support struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Motivated by greed, Robertson deceptively obtained funds that were designated to provide emergency financial relief to struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. He promised ongoing efforts to work with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute similar crimes.
Robertson further compromised the integrity of the Paycheck Protection Program by transferring substantial amounts to her relatives and accomplices. Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, Atlanta Region, Kyle A. Myles, condemned her actions.
"Today the defendant in this case was held accountable for fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars through the Paycheck Protection Program and using those stolen funds to enrich herself,” Myles said. He noted the importance of upholding the integrity of these federal programs.
Amaleka McCall-Braithwaite, Special Agent in Charge of SBA OIG’s Eastern Region, criticized Robertson’s scheme, highlighting how it undermined support for legitimate businesses. She praised the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners.
In addition to her fraudulent activities, Robertson made a $1,000 donation to the primary election campaign of corrupt Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis around the time she misappropriated the COVID funds, adding another layer to her unethical conduct.
The misuse of the Paycheck Protection Program funds is a striking example of how some individuals saw the pandemic as an opportunity to enrich themselves illegally. The funds were intended to be a lifeline for small businesses struggling to survive the economic hardships imposed by Covid-19.
This conviction and sentencing are part of a broader effort by federal authorities to crack down on fraud related to pandemic relief programs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and their partners remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who exploit federal programs for personal gain.
Shelitha Robertson's conviction is a pivotal example of the legal system's dedication to pursuing justice for those who exploit federal relief funds. Her misuse of the Paycheck Protection Program funds for personal luxury stands as a deterrent for others who might consider similar actions in the future.
