On December 27, 2012, Michael Anthony Dix pled guilty to 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. He was sentenced by Judge Walter M. Lovett, Jr. to five years with one year to serve in prison without the possibility of parole. After his prison sentence has been served, the balance of his sentence is suspended on the condition that he not violate the law.

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, Deputy Inspector General Bill Donaldson, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Rocky Bigham and the computer rental company arranged to deliver the computers on Wednesday, November 14, 2012. Donaldson and 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 Bingham arrested the defendant, who was found in possession of the computer rental order, as well as a cell phone with the number listed on the rental order.

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