Dawn Lynette Carter, a former accounting manager for the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), pleaded guilty yesterday in Cobb County Superior Court to six counts of Forgery in the First Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-1). While employed by the State, Carter forged checks totaling almost $15,000.00. Judge James Bodiford sentenced her to five years probation under the First Offender’s Act, restitution in the amount of $14,470.00 and a fine of $1000.00 plus surcharges.

A routine audit revealed that shortly before Carter departed SRTA, she created six checks in the check processing system absent the usual approval process. Four checks were made payable to two different foundations for which she was the CEO, and two checks were made payable to Walden University on her behalf. Carter admitted the theft upon being interviewed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Assistant Attorney General Daniel Hiatt prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Georgia. The case was investigated by former Agent Benjie Fennell of the GBI.