Former assistant city attorney of Atlanta, Shelitha Robertson, recently found herself behind bars for a $15 million COVID relief fraud scandal. This ex-attorney managed to defraud the federal government out of millions by exploiting the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a scheme designed to provide financial relief to small businesses during the pandemic. Robertson’s fraudulent actions included inflating the size of her businesses and their payrolls to secure these hefty loans, which she then used for personal luxuries.
Amid her deceitful activities, Robertson also made a noteworthy political donation. In May 2020, she donated $1,000 to Fani Willis’s Democratic primary election campaign. At the time, Willis was vying for the position of Fulton County District Attorney, a race she eventually won. This donation is now under scrutiny, particularly in light of Robertson’s subsequent criminal actions and the high-profile nature of Willis’s current position, especially her involvement in the indictment of former President Donald Trump on racketeering charges.
Robertson’s fraudulent actions were not limited to minor discrepancies. She falsely claimed she had more than 400 employees to justify her multimillion-dollar PPP loans. These claims were supported by false tax documents, which ultimately led to her downfall when federal authorities caught on. At her sentencing, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan condemned her actions, emphasizing that her position as a former police officer and city attorney made her fraud even more egregious. Buchanan highlighted that Robertson’s greed deprived genuine small businesses of much-needed financial aid during the pandemic.
The fraud didn’t stop at misrepresenting employee numbers. Robertson, alongside her accomplice Chandra Norton, submitted fraudulent PPP applications for multiple businesses she owned. This deceit netted her over $7 million, which she used to purchase luxury items such as a 10-carat diamond ring and a Rolls Royce. Additionally, substantial sums of money were transferred to family members and Norton, further indicating the extent of her fraudulent activities.
The ramifications of Robertson’s fraud have had wider implications. In the legal sphere, her case has caused delays, particularly in the high-profile case against former President Trump, as Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee announced an indefinite hold pending further judicial review.
Robertson’s criminal endeavors also starkly contrast with her public persona as a life advice podcaster. She and her daughter ran a podcast titled “Mommy and Me,” where they discussed life challenges and offered advice. Ironically, in an episode titled “Integrity Over Dollars,” Robertson advised listeners to chase their dreams and not money, a statement that now rings hollow given her actions.
Despite her fall from grace, Robertson’s daughter, Brii Renee, has publicly supported her mother. In a heartfelt social media post, she praised Robertson’s sacrifices and achievements, highlighting the complex emotions and personal fallout from Robertson’s legal troubles.
Robertson’s sentencing marks a significant fall for someone who once held a respected position in the legal community. She was sentenced to 849 days in prison, with credit for time already served and good behavior reducing her total time behind bars to approximately seven years. Following her prison term, she will be on probation for nearly four years. This sentence reflects the serious nature of her crimes and the impact of her actions on public trust and the integrity of pandemic relief efforts.
The scandal surrounding Robertson also casts a shadow over DA Fani Willis, who has not commented on the donation. The connection between Robertson’s fraudulent activities and her donation to Willis’s campaign raises questions about the extent of their relationship and potential implications for Willis’s career. As investigations continue, the legal and political communities are watching closely to see if further connections between the two will be uncovered.
In summary, Atlanta Prosecutor Shelitha Robertson’s fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed and the misuse of public funds. Her story is a complex interplay of fraud, politics, and personal downfall, highlighting the importance of integrity in public service and the legal system.
