EDISON, Ga. (WALB) - A former Edison city clerk has pleaded guilty to stealing taxpayer money for personal purchases and now faces up to 10 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Tami Fincher, 64, of Edison, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of federal program theft before U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner. She faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to two years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

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Federal officials said the investigation began after City of Edison leaders contacted the FBI in December 2023 to report concerns about the city’s finances. Officials discovered significant financial mismanagement after learning the city was unable to make payments on a loan.

According to court documents, Fincher served as Edison city clerk beginning in March 2018 and was responsible for managing the city’s finances. Investigators found she used a city-issued credit card to make more than $5,000 in unauthorized personal purchases between 2018 and 2023.

The purchases included restaurant meals, dog treats, Amazon orders and designer clothing, according to federal prosecutors.

Fincher resigned from her position in July 2023.

U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes said the misuse of government funds for personal gain undermines public trust and that federal prosecutors remain committed to protecting taxpayer dollars.

The FBI’s Albany office investigated the case as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, which focuses on investigating and prosecuting government fraud, waste and abuse.

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