On Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, David H. Pitts, of Newborn, Ga., pled guilty in DeKalb County Superior Court to Violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), O.C.G.A. § 16-14-4(c). Pitts was the last of 15 co-conspirators to enter a guilty plea for a tax fraud scheme. The co-conspirators stole approximately $200,000 from the state of Georgia by way of illegal tax refunds.

Pitts’ daughter and co-defendant, Naterica Burkes, was employed by Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) in DeKalb County, Ga. While so employed, Burkes perpetrated a scheme to steal money from the state of Georgia by creating fraudulent accounts in DOR’s computer system and issuing tax refund checks, to herself, former colleagues, family members, friends and associates. Pitts received three fraudulent DOR checks totaling $20,140, which he deposited into his bank account and then split with his daughter, Naterica Burkes, the ringleader of the scheme.

“This guilty plea and sentencing mark the successful conclusion of an extensive tax fraud prosecution by my office,” said Attorney General Sam Olens. “Due to strong collaboration across state government, to include my office, the Department of Revenue and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, 15 co-conspirators are being held accountable for stealing approximately $200,000 from the state of Georgia. This case should send a strong message that my office will aggressively prosecute those who defraud the state of Georgia.”

Judge Tangela Barrie sentenced Pitts to two years in prison, followed by eight years probation. He also ordered Pitts to pay $10,070 in restitution.

Pitt’s co-defendants have already entered guilty pleas and received the following sentences:

  • Kaiesha Ash was sentenced under the First Offender Act to one year imprisonment, nine years probation and restitution in the amount of $3,925.
  • Lloyd Burkes was sentenced under the First Offender Act to one year imprisonment, four years probation and restitution in the amount of $10,000.
  • Naterica Burkes, the ringleader of the scheme, was sentenced under the First Offender Act to five years imprisonment (first year on house arrest), 15 years probation and restitution in the amount of $40,000.
  • Nicole Calhoun entered a guilty plea on Jan. 3, 2013, but failed to appear for her sentencing; a bench warrant is outstanding for her arrest.
  • Justin Clark was sentenced under the First Offender Act to one year imprisonment on work release, nine years probation and restitution in the amount of $9,225.
  • Leonard Harvey was sentenced to one year imprisonment on work release, 4 years probation and restitution in the amount of $3,403.
  • Rochelle Hunter was sentenced under the First Offender Act to five years probation, 200 hours of community service and restitution in the amount of $2,600.
  • Sochie Jordan was sentenced under the First Offender Act to five years probation, 200 hours of community service and restitution in the amount of $2,620.
  • Olivetti Key was sentenced under the First Offender Act to five years probation, 200 hours of community service and restitution in the amount of $3,403.
  • Kedrick Lacey, a convicted felon, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, eight and a half years probation, 200 hours of community service and restitution in the amount of 2,616.67.
  • Tomichi A. Lee was sentenced under the First Offender Act to five years probation, 200 hours of community service and restitution in the amount of $3,775.
  • Chandra Long was sentenced under the First Offender Act to one year imprisonment on work release, nine years probation and restitution in the amount of $6,100.25.
  • Kenneth Sheriff was sentenced to six years probation, 200 hours of community service and restitution in the amount of $2,600.
  • Nykea Williams was sentenced to one year imprisonment, nine years probation and restitution in the amount of $1,474.50.

Assistant Attorney General Greg Lohmeier and former assistant Attorney General Shep Orlow prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Georgia. The case was investigated by Special Agent Alan Dickinson of DOR and Special Agent Jonathan Spurlock of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.