Former CDC Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Stealing Nearly $190,000 Through Fake Invoices
ATLANTA, Georgia – A former supervisor with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has pleaded guilty to stealing government funds through a fraudulent invoice scheme that prosecutors say lasted more than a year.
According to Theodore S. Hertzberg, 43-year-old Gwendolyn Brandon of Cumming admitted to theft of government funds tied to fake invoices submitted to the CDC.
“This defendant embezzled taxpayer money and brazenly exploited her position of public trust by fabricating invoices,” Hertzberg said. “When she is sentenced later this year, she will pay the price for her greed and deception.”
Federal prosecutors said Brandon worked as an administrative professional and supervisor at the CDC from approximately August 2023 through February 2025.
Investigators allege Brandon created fraudulent invoices that appeared to come from vendors requesting payment for goods or services provided to the CDC.
According to authorities, the invoices directed payments to accounts controlled by Brandon.
Prosecutors said Brandon used her supervisory position and understanding of the CDC’s invoice and credit card payment systems to facilitate the fraud, allegedly causing employees under her supervision, who were unaware of the scheme, to process the payments.
Authorities said Brandon submitted at least 46 fraudulent invoices ranging from approximately $2,230 to $9,970, resulting in the theft of $190,461.50 in federal funds.
“This federal employee-turn-fraudster exploited her government position to steal taxpayer money to enrich herself,” said Marcus L. Sykes. “HHS-OIG is committed to protecting the integrity of the federal workforce and to help ensure that HHS funding is spent appropriately to serve the American public.”
Brandon is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 3, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg.
As part of her plea agreement, Brandon agreed to resign from the CDC and never seek future employment with the federal government or pursue government contracts or vendor relationships.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica C. Morris is prosecuting the case.
