On December 7, 2012, a Fulton County Grand Jury charged Michael Anthony Dix with Criminal Attempt to Commit Theft by Taking (O.C.G.A. § 16-4-1 and § 16-8-2) for attempting to steal computers by posing as a fictitious state agency.

Using the name “Seth Eidt,” Dix placed an order to rent five laptop computers valued at approximately $13,000.00 for a bogus state agency, “Department of Public Safety and Corrections.” After learning of the scheme, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Rocky Bigham and the computer rental company arranged to deliver the computers on Wednesday, November 14, 2012. Agent Bigham went to the Peachtree Street location listed on the rental order and observed the defendant. A call was placed to the phone number listed on the rental order and the defendant was observed answering a cell phone. Agent Bigham arrested the defendant and found him in possession of the computer rental order, as well as a cell phone with the number listed on the rental order.

Criminal Attempt to Commit Theft by Taking carries a sentence range of one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.00.

Assistant Attorney General Shepard Orlow is prosecuting the case on behalf of the State of Georgia.

Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual(s) against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government’s burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.