Pearson City Clerk Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges in Ongoing Fraud Investigation

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested Pearson City Clerk Patricia Ballard, 67, of Atkinson County, on multiple felony charges stemming from an ongoing probe into fraudulent activity within Pearson city government.

Ballard faces charges of:

• Conspiracy to Commit a Crime
• Conspiracy to Defraud State or Political Subdivision
• Theft by Taking
• Offenses Involving Public Records, Documents, and Other Items
• Violation of Oath by a Public Officer
• False Statements and Writings

Ballard was taken into custody without incident at Pearson City Hall and booked into the Atkinson County Jail.

This latest arrest follows the earlier arrest of Pearson Mayor Robert “Buster” Johnson. The investigation began after a request from the Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office to look into potential fraudulent activity in the city’s government.

According to officials, the case remains active and ongoing, with more arrests expected.