Georgia sheriff sentenced to three years in prison in federal fraud case
On Thursday, Jim Williamson was sentenced to three years in federal prison for fraud in connection with his job as Sheriff of Telfair County.
The Macon Telegraph has the story.
Williamson’s second term as sheriff ended in December of last year. A month later he pleaded guilty to allegations of accepting bribes, purchasing personal items with county funds, and embezzling fine money. In one instance, Williams is alleged to have kept $5,000 seized from a traffic stop. He also allegedly used county money to purchase an ATV for personal use. Prosecutors say he also transferred a state prison inmate to the county jail to be closer to his girlfriend after accepting money to do so.
The federal presentence report indicated that Williamson should receive around 4 years in prison, and under federal law, he faced a possibility of 20 years. Williamson’s defense attorney argued that he was a good man, and that his infractions constituted only a small part of his life and career. Ultimately, U.S. District Judge Dudley Bowen handed down a sentence of 36 months and three years of supervised release. Williamson must also pay restitution to the county; however, the exact amount is still being determined.
Our firm has also represented public officials in federal and state criminal investigations. These cases can be uniquely difficult because of the intense scrutiny and media attention that surrounds such an arrest and prosecution. Politics also plays a big role in these cases and can complicate a defense.
Pate & Brody is an accomplished Georgia law firm with offices in Atlanta, Macon and Madison. Our lawyers are dedicated to pursuing justice for people charged with serious crimes. We have successfully represented clients facing serious federal criminal charges and state criminal charges in courts across Georgia. Our lawyers have been recognized on the list of Georgia's "Super Lawyers", and included among Georgia's "Legal Elite" by Georgia Trend Magazine. Page Pate was recently the Chairman of the Criminal Law Section of the Atlanta Bar Association.
