Former Atlanta Attorney and Police Officer Shelitha Robertson Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Prison for $15 Million PPP Loan Fraud

In a recent legal development, former Atlanta lawyer and police officer Shelitha Robertson was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for her role in Paycheck Protection Program fraud ( PPP).

Robinson, 62, was convicted of stealing about $15 million from a government-backed program intended to provide financial aid to struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced the sentence following Robertson’s conviction on December 19, 2023.

A jury found Robertson guilty of several counts, including one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg also ordered Robertson to serve three years of supervised release following his seven-year prison sentence. Robertson’s sentence will be reduced by the six months she has already spent in custody since her conviction.

United States Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan condemned Robertson’s actions, stating: “Motivated by greed, Robertson deceptively obtained funds intended to provide emergency financial assistance to struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. 19. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute criminals who stole pandemic relief funds.

Robertson’s fraudulent activities included submitting false tax documents and making false statements for four companies listed on PPP loan applications. The illegally obtained funds were used to purchase luxury items, including a 10-carat diamond ring.

Additionally, Shelitha Robertson transferred large sums of money to her co-conspirator, Chandra Norton, and various members of her family.

In court, Robertson expressed remorse and highlighted the personal consequences of his actions. “I’m completely broke. My business is gone. My (legal) license has disappeared. My assets are gone. The only thing I have left is my family and my faith in God,” she said hours before her sentencing, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Paycheck Protection Program was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, designed to provide emergency financial support to small businesses during the pandemic. Robertson’s case is just one of many as authorities have seized more than $78 million in cash from more than 192 defendants in more than 121 criminal cases involving fraudulently obtained PPP funds. These actions also involved the confiscation of numerous real estate and luxury items purchased with the stolen money.

This case illustrates law enforcement’s determination to crack down on pandemic-related fraud and ensure that people who abuse emergency aid programs for personal gain are held accountable.

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Hunter Gilmore

Hunter Gilmore is a journalist, producer and screenwriter who brings a wealth of experience in television production, print/digital media and content writing. Fueled by a burning passion for media, Hunter thrives on bringing visions to life through her compelling storytelling, creativity and strategic prowess.