Shelitha Robertson, a former assistant city attorney for Atlanta, has been sentenced to defrauding the federal government of $15 million in COVID relief loans.
According to Daily Mail, Shelitha Robertson donated $1,000 to Fani Willis's campaign when she received the fraudulent funds.
Robertson, 62, was found guilty of obtaining fraudulent COVID relief funds to support four businesses she owned. She falsely claimed the need for funds, inflating the number of employees and payrolls to secure $7,020,779 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds.
Robertson's fraudulent activities came to light as she used the PPP funds to purchase luxury items, including a 10-carat diamond ring, a Rolls Royce, and a motorcycle. The fraud was further supported by false tax documentation submitted to secure the loans. Despite pleading not guilty to five fraud charges in December 2022, she was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
The court sentenced Robertson to 849 days in prison, crediting her for 637 days already served and 212 days for good behavior. Following her prison term, she will be on probation for 44 months.
Robertson's case has complicated the ongoing racketeering case against former President Donald Trump. Her $1,000 donation to local DA Fani Willis's Democratic primary election campaign has raised concerns about the impartiality of the investigation. The case against Trump has been temporarily halted until a panel of judges decides whether DA Willis should be disqualified due to her connection with Robertson.
Robertson's sentencing and its implications have drawn significant attention. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan commented on the case, stating:
Motivated by greed, Robertson deceptively obtained funds that were designated to provide emergency financial relief to struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kyle A. Myles of the FDIC Office of Inspector General also remarked on the case's resolution:
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, while small businesses were struggling.
Before her conviction, Robertson had a varied career, serving as an assistant city attorney for Atlanta and as a police officer. She and her daughter also ran a podcast, 'Mommy and Me,' offering life and financial advice. Ironically, one episode of their podcast was titled 'Integrity Over Dollars.'
Robertson reflected on her losses in court, saying: "My (law) license is gone. My assets are gone. The only thing I have left is my family and my faith in God."
Her daughter posted a supportive message on Instagram, praising her mother's sacrifices and influence despite the fraud allegations.
The fallout from Robertson's actions continues to unfold. The case against her remains on hold indefinitely as a panel of judges deliberates on DA Willis's potential disqualification. The New York Post first reported Robertson’s donation to Willis’s campaign, highlighting the intertwined nature of local politics and legal cases. As the public awaits further developments, questions about accountability and justice remain at the forefront.
In conclusion, Shelitha Robertson's conviction for defrauding $15 million in COVID relief loans has had far-reaching implications. Her connection to DA Fani Willis has disrupted the high-profile racketeering case against former President Donald Trump. The case underscores the necessity for integrity in both public service and the administration of justice, leaving the community to ponder the impacts of such actions on the broader legal and political landscape.
