The former City Clerk of Edison, Georgia, admitted in federal court on July 22 that she used taxpayer money for personal purchases following an investigation into the mismanagement of city finances. The case resulted from a National Fraud Enforcement Division investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“No matter the amount or intent, misusing government funds for personal gain is a serious crime that erodes public trust,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “The National Fraud Enforcement Division is committed to investigating and prosecuting all forms of government waste, fraud, and abuse, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are protected and those who betray the public’s confidence are held accountable.”
Thomas Clark, Supervisory Senior Special Agent of the Albany office of FBI Atlanta, said, “This guilty plea is a reminder that those entrusted with public funds are not above the law. This breach of trust undermines the integrity of public office. The FBI remains unwavering in its pursuit to hold accountable those who exploit their positions for selfish purposes.”
Tami Fincher, 64, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner to one count of federal program theft and faces up to 10 years in prison followed by two years supervised release and a $250,000 fine; her sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents and statements made in court, FBI agents met with City representatives on December 7, 2023, after Fincher informed them earlier that year about Edison’s inability to pay a loan owed by the city. This prompted an internal review which revealed significant financial mismanagement; Edison received more than $10,000 annually in federal program funds during this period.
Fincher began working as City Clerk for Edison in March 2018 with responsibility over city finances and was issued a credit card intended for official use only. A review showed more than $5,000 worth of unauthorized personal charges between 2018 and her resignation in July 2023—including dining out, dog treats, Amazon purchases and designer clothing.
On April 7 this year, the Department of Justice announced creation of its National Fraud Enforcement Division focused on prosecuting fraud against American taxpayers as part of President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.
The case was investigated by the FBI while Deputy Criminal Chief Veronica Hansis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shiante McMahon are prosecuting it for the Government.
The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia serves approximately two million residents across seventy counties including Macon, Albany and Columbus; prosecutes crimes such as drug trafficking or terrorism; handles civil litigation on behalf of United States; covers an area over twenty-five thousand square miles; advances community wellness through cooperation with law enforcement agencies, according to the official website.