Former Atlanta CFO sentenced on federal charges

(The Center Square) — Atlanta’s former chief financial officer was sentenced to prison after admitting that he stole tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to fund his lavish lifestyle, using the money to pay for trips and buy custom-built machine guns.

U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones sentenced Jimmie “Jim” A. Beard, 60, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to three years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Beard was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and $177,197.48 in restitution.

Beard, indicted in September 2020, was the city’s chief financial officer from about November 2011 to May 2018. He pleaded guilty on April 8 to theft of government funds and obstructing federal tax laws.

“Jim Beard abused the trust and confidence placed in him by the people of the City of Atlanta when he decided to steal tens of thousands of dollars from taxpayers to support his lavish lifestyle,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said in an announcement. “Beard’s sentencing is a demonstration of our commitment to hold accountable public officials who trade their position of power for greed and personal gain.”

Federal prosecutors say Beard exploited his position and power to perpetuate his scheme. When city staffers tasked with processing travel reimbursements — and who worked for Beard — asked the then-CFO for receipts or justifications for his trips, Beard ordered them to process reimbursements without the necessary documentation.

As one city staffer allegedly said, per a news release, “if the … CFO asks you for something, you do not ask questions.”

According to the feds, Beard ordered two custom-built machine guns in December 2015, using a purchase order and a $2,641.90 check from the city. Prosecutors contend Beard told the manufacturer that the machine guns were for the Atlanta Police Department’s exclusive use.

However, the former CFO took the guns to his home, and Atlanta police officials did not know about them.

According to reports, several other former Atlanta officials or contractors have been sentenced for a slew of charges, including bribery, following a probe into corruption at Atlanta City Hall. Atlanta city officials did not have a comment on Beard’s sentencing.