A former Georgia police chief and his wife are facing serious criminal charges after investigators allege they misappropriated thousands of dollars from a holiday charity intended to help underprivileged children.
Authorities say the couple diverted more than $30,000 from a Christmas assistance fund meant to provide gifts for children in need.
Allegations of Long-Term Misuse of Funds
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Woodrow “Peewee” Wilson Burkhalter, 55, and his wife Angela Burkhalter, 53, allegedly took approximately $33,000 annually from the Atkinson County Christmas Fund between 2019 and 2025.
The fund was created to purchase Christmas gifts for children in low-income families who might otherwise go without presents during the holidays.
Burkhalter served as the police chief of Pearson, Georgia, from 2020 to 2024. During that time, he was also designated as a manager of the Christmas fund.
Criminal Charges Filed
Prosecutors have filed multiple charges in connection with the case:
- Burkhalter faces 28 counts of theft by conversion.
- Angela Burkhalter faces one count of party to the crime of theft by taking and one count of party to the crime of theft by conversion.
The couple was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Atkinson County Jail.
Community Reaction: “A Sad Day”
Pearson Mayor Jason Joyner expressed deep disappointment following the allegations.
“It’s heartbreaking to know that funds meant for our children during Christmas did not reach them,” Joyner said in a statement to WALB. “We’re going to keep moving forward, keep things open and honest, and keep doing what’s best for our community.”
City leaders have emphasized their commitment to transparency as the investigation continues.
Additional Legal Issues in Local Government
The case adds to a series of legal troubles involving local officials in Pearson.
Earlier this year, a deputy city clerk was arrested in connection with an alleged impaired driving incident. The same individual had also faced arrest the previous year in connection with a separate serious incident involving a vehicle occupied by her child and the child’s father.
In 2025, the former mayor and a former city clerk were also arrested following the conclusion of a long-running GBI corruption investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to examine the alleged misuse of funds. Officials have not released additional details about how the money was reportedly diverted or whether further charges could be filed.
The case has raised serious concerns within the community about oversight and accountability for charitable programs intended to benefit vulnerable families.
