Former City Councilwoman Pleaded Guilty to Various Fraud Crimes in Georgia

Hapeville Councilwoman, Ruth Barr, also worked as a tax preparer in Fulton County. She was accused of filing fraudulent tax returns for Georgia citizens.

Barr pleaded guilty Wednesday to the following offenses:

• Computer theft in Georgia
• False statements in Georgia 
• And criminal attempt to commit theft in Georgia.

She has been sentenced to 10-year probation once she leaves prison.

As an Atlanta Criminal Attorney, I will outline the offense of computer theft in our state as it is more complicated that the offense title lets on.

Computer Theft in Georgia

Computer Theft in Georgia is defined by the Georgia Code as:

A person will be guilty of computer theft when they use a computer or computer network with knowledge that such use is without authority and with the intention of:

• Taking or appropriating any property of another, whether or not with the intention of depriving the owner of possession;
• Obtaining property by any deceitful means or artful practice; or
• Converting property to such person's use in violation of an agreement or other known legal obligation to make a specified application or disposition of such property. O.C.G.A. §16-9-93(a).

Computer theft is considered a felony in Georgia. The penalty can include a fine up to $50,000, up to 15 years in prison, or both.

Practice Note

Barr is being accused of committing many different fraud crimes in Georgia. Last year she was sentenced to five years in prison by Gwinnett County after she was found guilty of conning over $100K from a dying relative. 

Fraud crimes are not to be taken lightly, and Georgia law is best interpreted by someone who specializes in Georgia Criminal Defense. 

If you or a loved one has been arrested in the Metro Atlanta Area, contact an Atlanta Criminal Lawyer today.