Background and Career
Shala Robertson, a former Atlanta police officer, public defender, and city attorney, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison. Robertson had a long career in public service and even ran for Superior Court judge over a decade ago.
Fraudulent Scheme
Robertson’s fraudulent activities were uncovered in connection with the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). She, along with her best friend and fellow attorney, Shandra Norton, orchestrated a scheme to defraud the government of approximately $15 million. They submitted false PPP loan applications for four businesses controlled by Robertson, inflating the number of employees and payroll amounts.
Lavish Spending
The fraudulent funds were used to finance a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of a bright pink Rolls-Royce, a $128,000 10-carat diamond ring, and other luxury items. Robertson also distributed some of the money to her daughter, a popular radio personality in Atlanta, and to Norton.
Investigation and Prosecution
The Secret Service, tasked with protecting the nation’s financial system, led the investigation. They discovered the scheme’s magnitude, initially reported at $7 million but later confirmed to be $15 million. The investigation revealed that Robertson submitted multiple loan applications across different banks within a short period in 2020, quickly receiving large disbursements.
Legal Proceedings
Norton was the first to be apprehended in 2020, and she cooperated with authorities, providing evidence against Robertson. Despite attempting to place the blame on Norton, Robertson was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. She was indicted in December 2022, entered a plea of not guilty, but was eventually convicted by a jury and taken into custody.
Conclusion
Robertson’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of exploiting federal relief programs. Her case highlights the oversight lapses during the rapid disbursement of COVID-19 relief funds and the subsequent crackdown on fraudsters. Robertson’s fraudulent actions not only violated the law but also betrayed the public trust she once upheld in her various roles in public service.
