The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced March 24 that Woodrow “Peewee” Burkhalter, the former police chief of Pearson, Georgia, has been charged with 28 counts of theft by taking and 28 counts of theft by conversion. His wife, Angela Burkhalter, is also charged with one count of each offense as a party to the crime.

Burkhalter was one of the managers of the Atkinson County Christmas fund, which was established to provide gifts for children in need. The Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office requested a GBI investigation in January 2026 after allegations surfaced that funds had been misappropriated.

According to investigators, the Burkhalters allegedly misused $30,000 from the fund between November 2019 and January 2026. Authorities say Burkhalter used his position as police chief to access and divert the money.

Pearson Mayor Jason Joyner expressed dismay over the allegations. “Today is a sad day for Pearson and all of Atkinson County. It’s heartbreaking to know that funds meant for our children during Christmas did not reach them,” he said. He added that the current city and police leadership were not involved and have focused on transparency and accountability.

Both Burkhalters are currently held at the Atkinson County Jail. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Alapaha District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

The case follows other incidents involving law enforcement officials accused of misusing funds. In Connecticut, former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson was arrested for allegedly stealing $85,500 from two city accounts, including one used to pay confidential informants.