Atlanta GA, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta faces major scrutiny as allegations of corruption among city officials have come to light, suggesting systemic failures impacting consumers and taxpayer dollars. The investigative series “Uncovered” will debut soon, focusing on various significant issues like crime, corruption, and consumer safety. A letter from city employees to federal authorities details ongoing investigations, naming several officials and raising concerns over misallocated funds and regulatory threats. This situation highlights accountability challenges in Atlanta, with continued investigations revealed in connection with the recent developments.
Atlanta is set to be at the center of significant governmental scrutiny as Atlanta News First Investigates has uncovered allegations of corruption among city officials, which could have wide-ranging implications for the local community. New revelations point to systemic failures and corporate malfeasance affecting Atlanta’s consumers and taxpayer dollars.
The investigative series, titled “Uncovered,” is scheduled to debut on August 17 and will be aired on Sundays at 7 p.m.. This series highlights pressing issues like crime, corruption, consumer safety, and governmental accountability, aiming to bring crucial matters to public attention.
Notably, the debut episode of “Uncovered” will focus on a variety of topics including:
- Lack of oversight of homeowner associations.
- A case where a man’s disability claims faced scrutiny by police.
- Threats to vulnerable patients’ safety due to regulations.
- Allegations of medical malpractice and neglect in a local hospital.
- Property damage issues caused by golf balls.
- A landscaper accused of swindling clients for unfinished work.
On August 16, Atlanta News First will transition to an independent operation, ending its prior affiliation with CBS, and will increase the number of field reporters along with local programming dedicated to essential issues affecting the metro Atlanta region.
Raising further concerns is a letter from employees in Atlanta’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) to the Department of Justice, FBI, and Georgia Attorney General’s Office. This letter, which requests whistleblower protections, alleges widespread corruption and improper fund usage within the city government. Notable signatories of the letter include Deputy Inspector General Shelby J. Williams and other senior officials within the OIG.
This whistleblowing comes in the wake of former Inspector General Shannon Manigault’s resignation, during which she claimed harassment by city officials. The OIG’s correspondence identifies 11 ongoing investigations targeting influential figures, including Mayor Andre Dickens, members of his cabinet, high-ranking departmental managers, and City Councilmember Andrea Boone.
The investigations notably scrutinize Star-C, a nonprofit organization associated with affordable housing in Atlanta. The OIG’s inquiries began following allegations of mishandling funds tied to Purpose-Built Communities. Courtney English, Mayor Dickens’ chief policy officer, was previously connected to Star-C and was advised to resign from its Board of Directors, which he asserts he executed.
Additional allegations surfaced, including:
- City contracts potentially awarded to campaign contributors.
- Allegations that Boone facilitated a $2 million donation to Star-C, which is closely linked to campaign contributions.
- Star-C officials known to have contributed to Mayor Dickens’ campaign.
Other significant issues mentioned in the complaints include the misuse of city funds through a $500,000 donation aimed at supporting the 2024 Democratic National Convention, which allegedly failed to align with “purely charitable purposes.” The letter also claims some departmental employees exploited city resources for personal gain, alongside allegations of misconduct and threats issued within the Fire-Rescue Department aimed at union members.
In a related incident outside Atlanta, a former civil engineer in South Fulton was arrested on charges of corruption, highlighting issues around misallocated public funds amounting to approximately $30,000. The South Fulton Police Chief stressed the significance of transparency and restoring public trust as investigations continue.
Moreover, the report sheds light on systemic issues within Georgia’s prisons, noting high corruption rates and violence, with over 350 employees implicated in mishandling contraband. Concerns regarding prison conditions have led to increased scrutiny from both federal and state officials.
The data reveals alarming homicide rates, a shortage of adequate staff, and challenges tied to a significant prevalence of violent offenders and gang affiliations, compounded by staff corruption.
FAQ
What is the focus of the investigative series “Uncovered”?
Each week, “Uncovered” will feature hour-long stories about crime, corruption, consumer safety, and governmental accountability.
What specific allegations are highlighted in the OIG letter?
The OIG’s letter outlined 11 ongoing investigations targeting Mayor Andre Dickens and others, focusing on misallocated funds and improper dealings with nonprofit organizations.
What is happening with the South Fulton Police Department regarding corruption?
A former civil engineer in South Fulton was arrested for corruption, facing bribery, theft, and forgery charges related to misappropriating public funds.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Uncovered by ANF Investigates
- Wikipedia: Corruption
- Atlanta Press Collective: Whistleblowers Allege Widespread Corruption
- Google Scholar: Corruption in Government
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Former South Fulton Engineer Arrested
- Google News: Atlanta Corruption
- AJC: Georgia Prisons Investigation into Corruption
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Government Corruption
- Hoodline: Mayor Andre Dickens Accused of Corruption
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
