Ex-Police Chief Accused of Stealing $30,000 from Children’s Christmas Fund

Former Police Chief Arrested for Alleged Theft

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has announced the arrest of a former police chief on theft charges, according to a press release issued on March 24.

Woodrow “Pee-wee” Wilson Burkhalter, who previously served as the police chief in Pearson, Georgia, has been indicted on 28 counts of theft and an equal number of diversion theft charges. His wife, Angela, is also facing charges related to being complicit in the theft.

During his time as Chief of the Pearson Police Department, Burkhalter was involved with the Atkinson County Christmas Fund, which aims to provide gifts for underprivileged children. In early 2026, the Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office requested a GBI investigation regarding allegations of funds being misappropriated from this charity.

The investigation uncovered that Burkhalter and his wife may have diverted around $30,000 from the fund between November 1, 2019, and January 10, 2026. Allegations indicate that Burkhalter exploited his position and access to the Christmas Fund to facilitate these actions.

Pearson Mayor Jason Joyner expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that it’s a tragic day for Pearson and Atkinson County. He mentioned the heartbreak of realizing that funds meant for children during the holidays did not reach those in need. Joyner emphasized that the current city leadership and police department are uninvolved, highlighting a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Currently, Burkhalter and his wife are being held at the Atkinson County Jail. The case is expected to be transferred to the Alapaha District Attorney’s Office for prosecution once the investigation concludes.

This incident follows a trend, as former police chiefs in other locations have faced similar allegations in the past. For instance, the former New Haven Police Chief was accused of stealing a significant sum from city funds used for various operations.