ATLANTA – Former City of Atlanta Director of Human Services, Mitzi L. Bickers, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for accepting approximately $3 million in bribe money to influence government contracts, money laundering, lying to the City of Atlanta to maintain her salary and cabinet-level position, and failing to disclose more than $600,000 in income on her federal tax return.

“For years, Mitzi Bickers masterminded a sophisticated scheme to steer City of Atlanta contracts worth millions of dollars to two businessmen,” said U.S. Ryan K. Buchanan. “By abusing her position, power, and connections, Bickers corrupted the City’s procurement practices, creating a pay-to-play environment where bribe money was rewarded over merit and quality of work. Bickers’ substantial prison sentence serves as a blistering message to anyone tempted to sell the public’s trust for a lake home or an SUV and serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers remain committed to the investigation of corrupt public officials.”

“The actions of Mitzi Bickers not only traded the public’s trust for personal gain, but this was also a shame to her oath of office and her duty to the City of Atlanta. This sentence demonstrates no one is above the law,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to investigate public officials and those who wish to wrongly influence public officials for personal gain.”

“High ranking City...

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