Jhonnita L. Williams, Public Corruption, Georgia 2018

A former administrator at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has been sentenced to prison for her role in a massive embezzlement scheme that resulted in the transit agency paying out over half a million dollars for fake maintenance projects.

Jhonnita L. Williams, 48, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and four months in prison for her part in the conspiracy, which involved the submission of fake invoices for maintenance work that was never actually performed. Over $520,000 was paid out by MARTA to vendors who were in on the scheme, with the money then being funneled back to the conspirators.

Williams worked as an assistant and department administrator at MARTA from 1999 to 2017, and from 2010 to 2017, she worked under Joseph J. Erves, who served as MARTA's senior director of operations. During this time, Williams and Erves had more than 40 fake invoices prepared for MARTA maintenance projects, with the money being paid out to vendors who then funneled it back to the conspirators.

The scheme was uncovered through a coordinated investigation involving the FBI, the MARTA Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney's Office. Williams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal program theft in November 2018 and was sentenced in connection with her crime.

Williams used her share of the money to pay for personal expenses, including the purchase of a $1 million home in Atlanta. The sentence for all defendants in this case are as follows: Joseph J. Erves was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison and ordered to pay $522,825.45 in restitution, while Ferrell Williams was sentenced to eight months in prison and ordered to pay $41,539.10 in restitution.

The case highlights the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions and the need for transparency and oversight in government agencies. It also serves as a reminder that public corruption will not be tolerated and that those who engage in such behavior will face the full force of the law.

MARTA is the principal public transportation operator in the Atlanta area, providing fixed rail and bus service to over 500,000 passengers per weekday. The agency has a 2016 annual budget of over $880 million, making it a significant target for those looking to embezzle funds.

The sentencing of Williams brings an end to a lengthy investigation and serves as a warning to others who may consider engaging in similar behavior. MARTA Police Chief Wanda Y. Dunham praised the efforts of the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office in bringing the case to a close, saying that the sentence will send a clear message to any MARTA employee who thinks they are above the law.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/former-marta-administrator-sentenced-prison-taking-more-520000-fraud-scheme