**Mitzi Bickers Resentenced: A Major Shift in Atlanta’s Corruption Saga**
**(FOX 5 Atlanta)**
ATLANTA – In a shocking twist in an ongoing corruption case, a federal judge has **reduced the sentence of former Atlanta city official Mitzi Bickers** by two years. This decision comes after the dismissal of four wire fraud convictions tied to a bribery scheme that misappropriated millions of dollars in city contracts. **How did Bickers—once a trusted city leader—end up facing such dire legal consequences?** Let’s dive into the intricate details.
Understanding Bickers’ Legal Battle
Bickers, who served as the Director of Human Services under former Mayor **Kasim Reed**, has now been sentenced to **12 years in prison** for her remaining convictions, which include three counts of money laundering and one count each of conspiracy to commit bribery and filing a false tax return.
The journey to this resentencing is fraught with scandal. Once a rising star in Atlanta’s political scene, Bickers is now infamous as **the first individual tried in the federal corruption investigation** concerning Atlanta City Hall. During her tenure, she allegedly accepted approximately **$3 million** in bribes in exchange for steering **$17 million** in city contracts towards select contractors—covering projects from bridge repairs to snow removal.
Bickers’ Convictions: The Details
After her indictment in **2018**, Bickers was convicted in **2022** on 9 of 12 charges brought against her. These charges included **bribery** and tampering with informants, which a jury decided to reject. Even more recently, the **11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals** upheld her key convictions while vacating the wire fraud charges, leading to her resentencing.
The Judge’s Rationale
U.S. District Judge **Steve Jones** stated that the previous 14-year sentence could no longer hold weight after the dismissal of those foundational wire fraud charges. While Bickers’ defense sought a lesser sentence of **80 months**, the judge ultimately deemed a 12-year term fitting, citing Bickers’ “**very bad**” conduct associated with her crimes.
Even amidst these changes, the judge maintained the requirement for Bickers to repay **$2.9 million** in restitution, with Bickers having already served **two and a half years** behind bars.
The Broader Context: Atlanta’s Corruption Probe
Bickers is one of nearly a dozen individuals linked to a sprawling federal investigation into corruption during the Reed administration. She previously oversaw the disbursement of **public funds**, and her actions have raised serious questions about ethics within public offices.
Bickers’ Alleged Misconduct: A Timeline
To further understand Bickers’ extensive legal issues, here’s a summarized timeline:
- 2009–2013: Bickers allegedly begins accepting bribes to direct city contracts while serving as Director of Human Services.
- 2014–2015: Accusations arise regarding her attempts to influence public contracts in Jackson, Mississippi.
- March 2018: Federal indictment unseals against Bickers for bribery and tax fraud in relation to Atlanta city contracts.
- April 2023: Bickers’ trial begins, revealing testimonies from key contractors.
- September 8, 2022: Sentenced to 14 years with nearly $3 million restitution.
- June 2023: Prosecutors request the dismissal of four wire fraud counts, leading to resentencing.
Key Takeaways
Mitzi Bickers’ case is an ongoing reminder of the deeper issues of corruption that can pervade public offices. As the fallout continues, questions remain: **How can city governance be protected against such ethical breaches? What reforms are necessary to rebuild trust in public officials?** Stay tuned as this unfolding saga develops, and rising leaders are held accountable.
For further reading, see the latest commentary on public corruption and ethics from reputable sources like [The Atlantic](https://www.theatlantic.com) and [Politico](https://www.politico.com).
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The Source: The details in this article come from court documents filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Additional details come from previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports.
