Grimy Times has learned that former Clarkston City Councilwoman Joan Swaney has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $60,000 from the Clarkston Community Center. According to prosecutors, the 67-year-old Clarkston resident used the money to pay for personal expenses, including a family vacation, vehicle repairs, and a charter boat rental.
The scheme, which took place between 2010 and 2012, involved Swaney writing checks to herself from the community center’s bank account and depositing them into her personal account. She also used the community center’s debit card to withdraw cash, often withdrawing between $300 and $600 at a time.
As part of her plea agreement, Swaney admitted to embezzling a total of $60,000 from the Clarkston Community Center. The maximum sentence for the crime is 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
The charges against Swaney carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
Swaney’s sentencing is scheduled for March 6th, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Clarkston Community Center, where Swaney worked as office manager from 2003 to 2012, focuses on educational and recreational activities in the Clarkston area. The center includes classrooms, an auditorium, and activity fields for sports and other outdoor events.
Swaney was elected to serve on the City Council in Clarkston in 2010 and also served as Clarkston’s Vice Mayor during her tenure. She resigned her position in October 2013 after she was indicted by a federal grand jury in this case.
Defendant: Joan Swaney
Criminal Charges: Embezzlement
City and State: Clarkston, Georgia
Exact Date: 2010-2012
Sentence or Outcome: Pleaded guilty
Dollar Amounts: Over $60,000
Related Federal Cases
- Tifton Banker, $2.8M Embezzlement, Georgia 2023 · Georgia
- Gary Patton Hall, Jr., Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Georgia 2010 · Georgia
- Kelli Durham, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Georgia 2012 · Georgia
- Greene Wylie Sheppard, Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Aggravated Identity Theft, Georgia 2013 · Arkansas
- Dr. Robert B. Sperrazza, Tax Evasion and Currency Structuring, Georgia 2013 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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