Tennessee State Senator Katrina Robinson has been charged with theft and embezzlement and if found guilty, she could be sentenced to 20 years behind bars in federal prison.
The Washington Examiner reported that Tennessee state Sen. Katrina Robinson was indicted for her alleged role in the theft and embezzlement of roughly $600,000 in federal taxpayer dollars.
On Thursday, the grand jury agreed that Robinson should face 24 counts for theft and 24 counts for wire fraud.
If found guilty, she could spend up to 20 years in jail and face a fine of up to $250,000.
“Anyone who seeks to take advantage of government programs will be vigorously investigated by the FBI, regardless of who they are or any position they hold,” said the FBI’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby.
“The public should know that the FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who seek to exploit government programs and line their own pockets.”
Robinson is the founder of a vocational school, The Healthcare Institute, in addition to her role as a state senator.
The Healthcare Institute raked in $2.2 million in federal grants to assist in its operations. Robinson was charged for taking approximately $600,000 for personal compensation, which is not allowed under the terms of the grants.
The lawmaker allegedly used the funds for expenses tied to her wedding and honeymoon, as well as to buy her daughter a new car. She also used the funds to pay for an event for her state senate campaign.
