Kenneth W. Atkins, GP Defraud Scheme, AR 2023

EL DORADO, AR – Kenneth W. Atkins, 56, of Crossett, Arkansas, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 68 months for a brazen scheme to defraud Georgia Pacific. U.S. District Judge Susan O. Hickey handed down the sentence today, along with an order for Atkins to pay $456,000 in restitution to the company he swindled.

The conviction follows a seven-day jury trial in October 2015, where evidence revealed Atkins conspired with an accomplice between January 2011 and March 2012. The pair targeted Georgia Pacific in a calculated wire fraud operation, siphoning funds through a complex network of deceit.

United States Attorney Kenneth Elser for the Western District of Arkansas announced the sentencing, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses. Atkins was found guilty on one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and three counts of Money Laundering. Following his prison term, he’ll face three years of supervised release.

Investigators with the United States Secret Service and the Arkansas State Police painstakingly pieced together the evidence, exposing the scope of the fraud. The investigation revealed a deliberate attempt to exploit Georgia Pacific for personal gain, leaving a significant financial impact on the company.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Ross, Ben Wulff, and David Ferguson spearheaded the prosecution, presenting a compelling case to the jury. Their work ensured that Atkins was held accountable for his criminal actions. The case highlights the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting white-collar crimes and protecting businesses from fraudulent schemes.

For those seeking further details on the case, court documents are accessible through the Public Access to Electronic Records Website at www.Pacer.gov. This case serves as a stark reminder that financial crimes carry serious consequences, and those who attempt to defraud others will face justice.