By David Pendered

July 21 – The public corruption trial of Atlanta’s former CFO, “James” “Jimmie” “Jim” “Anthony” “A.” Beard, and fate of two full-automatic rifles he bought with city funds may be soon be complete.

A newly filed order by a federal judge sets Beard’s sentencing for Aug. 27 at 2:30 p.m. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones is to handle the matter in federal court in Atlanta. Prosecutors had requested the delay from July 12 due to an “unmovable conflict,” according to the government’s motion.

Beard faces a maximum of 13 years in prison, according to a statement from the U.S. Justice Department. The court is to consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide guidance but are not binding.

In another step toward final resolution of Beard’s case, which began with an eight-count indictment in 2020, the court ordered the forfeiture of two machine guns Beard purchased with city funds and claimed were for the use of the Atlanta Police Department. Jones filed a signed order on this matter July 16, following an unsigned order that had been filed June 26.

Beard entered a guilty plea April 8 to two counts of an eight-count indictment submitted by a federal grand jury Sept. 15, 2020.

The plea was for one count of theft of government funds, which included the purchase and possession of the two machine guns, and obstructing federal tax laws, according to a statement the IRS released after Beard entered the pleas.

A full report of the federal charges was posted  by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service upon Beard’s plea in April. Click here to read the IRS statement.

Beard’s sentencing may bring to a close a federal public corruption investigation into Atlanta City Hall during the era of then-Mayor Kasim Reed. The probe resulted in convictions of top city executives including the procurement director and watershed management director, and a major contractor who pled guilty to bribing public officials.

Atlanta City Hall District Court Public corruption

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