Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s top official, Jimmie “Jim” A. Beard, has been sentenced to three years in prison as part of a federal corruption investigation that involved nearly a dozen individuals facing bribery or related charges. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones, who also ordered Beard to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term. Additionally, Beard has been instructed to pay $177,197 in restitution and a $10,000 fine.
According to prosecutors, Beard misused a city credit card for luxury trips, claimed travel reimbursements improperly, evaded taxes, and utilized the guise of the city police department to acquire custom-made machine guns not accessible to civilians. Judge Jones emphasized that Beard was entrusted by the city as its chief financial officer from 2011 to 2018 to protect its funds and ensure that taxpayer money was used for the citizens’ benefit. Instead, by prioritizing his own interests, Beard undermined public trust in the government.
In April, Beard pleaded guilty to embezzling government funds and providing false information to the IRS. In a plea agreement, six other charges, including possession of a machine gun, were dismissed. Prior to the sentencing, Beard expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging them as “stupid” and short-sighted.
Although Beard could have faced up to 13 years in prison, federal sentencing guidelines recommended a maximum sentence of three years and five months based on the pre-sentencing investigation conducted by the government. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan commented on Beard’s case, stating that his actions reflected a betrayal of trust from the people of Atlanta and exemplified a pursuit of personal gain at the expense of taxpayers.
Several other defendants implicated in the corruption investigation, such as former human services director Mitzi Bickers, watershed commissioner Jo Ann Macrina, and contractors Jeff Jafari and Elvin R. Mitchell Jr., received longer prison terms than Beard. The sentencing of Beard underscores the authorities’ commitment to holding public officials accountable for abusing their power for personal enrichment.
