Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard Announces
Conviction in North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Thefts

Ruth Parker Pleads Guilty to Theft & Forgery; New Fulton Chair Karen Handel Instrumental in Investigation

Atlanta-Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that, following her guilty plea, Ruth Parker (44) has been sentenced to 15 years (one of which is to be served in prison, with the balance on probation) for the theft of over $85,000 from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Parker pleaded guilty to theft by taking (five counts) and forgery in the first degree (three counts). While on probation, she must pay restitution to the Chamber covering the money she stole (plus interest), as well as the accounting costs incurred in an attempt to correct her actions.

Parker worked for the Chamber from 1995 through 1997 and returned in 1998-serving as the director of finance until 2001. Between 1996 and 2001, she fraudulently caused her salary to be increased, resulting in the loss of over $85,000. She also forged two financial statements that purported to be from an actual accounting firm. These forgeries were discovered by then-president of the Chamber, Karen Handel-the newly elected chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners-and the resulting investigation revealed the other thefts. All totaled, she caused a loss to the Chamber of almost $150,000.

Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Brad Malkin of the White Collar Crime Unit prosecuted the case, Roswell Police Detective Roger Marbut investigated, and Judge Stephanie Manis presided.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404-224-0560 (office); 404-533-1381 (pager)