Category: Atlanta

ATLANTA — Chase Matthew Griffin, a 26-year-old Atlanta man known as “Trey,” has been sentenced to 108 months (nine years) in federal prison for his central role in a sophisticated $2.8 million bank fraud conspiracy that blended old-school check theft with modern social media recruitment.

U.S. authorities say Griffin and his co-conspirators executed a multi-step operation that preyed on both postal infrastructure and unsuspecting Instagram users.

Instagram-Advertised $2.8 Million Bank Fraud Scheme Lands Atlanta Man 9 Years in Federal Prison

The scheme netted millions before law enforcement intervened.

How the Fraud Unfolded

According to court details, the group began by targeting U.S. Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes to steal physical checks from mailboxes. Once obtained, the checks were chemically “washed” or otherwise altered to change payee information and amounts, transforming legitimate instruments into tools for fraud.

The next phase relied heavily on social media. Griffin and his associates used Instagram to recruit individuals willing to provide access to their bank accounts. Prosecutors say the recruiters flaunted stacks of cash in flashy posts to lure potential “money mules” or account holders. Victims or recruits would then hand over login credentials, debit cards, or full account control.

With compromised accounts in hand, the group moved quickly to drain funds through a variety of channels:

• Rapid ATM withdrawals
• Zelle transfers
• Casino transactions designed to obscure the money trail

This high-speed cash-out strategy aimed to beat bank fraud detection systems before alerts could freeze the accounts. The operation ultimately involved $2.8 million in fraud losses or intended losses.

Sentencing and Restitution

On top of the nine-year prison term, Griffin was ordered to pay $307,386 in restitution to victims and affected financial institutions. The sentence reflects the scale of the conspiracy and the deliberate use of technology and social platforms to scale the crime.

Federal sentencing guidelines often impose significant prison time in organized fraud cases involving identity theft, check washing, and social media recruitment, especially when losses reach into the millions. Griffin’s case highlights the growing intersection of traditional financial crimes with digital platforms.

Authorities have not released full details on all co-conspirators or whether additional arrests are pending, but the outcome serves as a stark warning about the risks of mixing flashy social media promises with requests for bank account access.

This prosecution underscores ongoing efforts by federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to combat hybrid fraud schemes that exploit both physical mail and online networks. Victims are encouraged to monitor accounts closely and report suspicious Instagram solicitations involving cash or quick-money opportunities.

Nashville, Tenn. — Fawn Weaver, the founder and CEO of the prominent Tennessee whiskey brand Uncle Nearest, has been terminated from the company along with her husband, Keith Weaver, a co-founder.

The move, detailed in a July 10 court filing, was made by the court-appointed receiver overseeing Uncle Nearest. The terminations were backdated to June 1, 2026.

Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver Fired Amid Company’s Ongoing Legal and Financial Turmoil

The receiver noted that while the decision was difficult, it has “resulted in significantly less confusion among employees and vendors, and has made business operations significantly smoother.”

Background on the Receivership

Uncle Nearest has been under the control of a court-appointed receiver since August 2025, following a lawsuit filed by lender Farm Credit Mid-America. The company reportedly owes more than $200 million in debt.

The receivership was established after allegations of default on substantial loans. The company and its related entities, including Nearest Green Distillery and real estate holdings, have faced significant financial challenges, including a plummeting global spirits market, distributor shifts, and extensive litigation.

Recent Developments and Sale Efforts

In a recent filing, the receiver reported signing a non-binding letter of intent to sell substantially all of the company’s assets — including Uncle Nearest, its real estate holdings, and the Nearest Green Distillery — to an African American-owned investment firm. Any sale would require approval from a federal judge.

The receiver described the past quarter as “exceedingly challenging,” citing excessive litigation, government investigations, and market pressures. Despite these hurdles, progress has been made:

• Sale of property on Martha’s Vineyard for $2.59 million.
• Identification of a buyer for vineyards in France.
• Ongoing negotiations for the core business assets.

The filing also mentions ongoing investigations by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the Securities and Exchange Commission, with the receivership team cooperating fully.

Looking Ahead

Remaining tasks include evicting two restaurants connected to Keith Weaver from the Nearest Green Distillery property in Shelbyville, Tenn., where rent has gone unpaid for about a year.

The receiver expressed optimism that the brand has a viable future under new ownership, stating that “a buyer of these assets can rehabilitate this brand with an infusion of new capital and more disciplined financial and operational leadership.”0

This story is developing as the company navigates its path through receivership and potential sale.

Baton Rouge-born rapper Boosie Badazz (Torrence Hatch), who maintains strong ties to Atlanta and the Southern hip-hop scene, is embroiled in a high-profile dispute over a $600,000 payment he made to secure a presidential pardon.

The Louisiana rapper claims political operatives Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman of JM Burkman & Associates took his money, made false promises about influence with President Donald Trump, and effectively stole the funds after failing to deliver on a clemency deal.

The story has unfolded amid Boosie’s ongoing legal troubles and a broader “clemency economy” surrounding Trump’s second term.

Boosie’s Federal Gun Conviction

Boosie’s push for a pardon stems from a 2023 federal case. He was arrested in San Diego while filming a music video and charged as a felon in possession of a firearm (a loaded Glock 19 pistol). After initial state charges and legal wrangling, he pleaded guilty to the federal count. In January 2026, a federal judge sentenced him to time served (with credit for approximately 10 days), three years of supervised release, 300 hours of community service, and a $50,000 fine.40

Federal prosecutors later sought to revoke his supervised release following an alleged incident in Texas. Boosie has long sought clemency to clear his record and avoid further restrictions.

The $600,000 Pardon Deal

In September 2024, Boosie signed a contract with JM Burkman & Associates after being pitched aggressively by Wohl and Burkman. The operatives, known as far-right political figures with controversial histories (including robocall-related convictions and fines), promised significant pull within Trump’s orbit. Boosie later described them as “real aggressive, they were talking like they had Trump on speed dial.”29

He paid the full $600,000 upfront. The contract reportedly included a clause allowing for a $300,000 partial refund if no presidential pardon was secured by a specified deadline (around late January 2025/2026, with the document containing apparent typos).1

Claims of a Signed Pardon and Subsequent Fallout

According to reports, the lobbyists provided regular updates claiming progress: the application was under review, endorsed by various MAGA figures and lawmakers, and even referenced a successful prior pardon they claimed involvement in (that of Joseph Schwartz). On New Year’s Eve 2024, Burkman texted that Trump had the pardon “in hand and is ready to sign.” On New Year’s Day 2025, Boosie’s lawyer received a call stating that Trump had signed the pardon and it simply awaited announcement.11

The pardon never materialized. A White House official later confirmed that the clemency team had never heard from Wohl or Burkman, stated they had no role in any pardons, and warned that their involvement could actively harm an applicant’s chances.29

By March 2025, Boosie terminated the relationship and demanded the $300,000 refund per the contract terms. The firm reportedly resisted, citing costs, claiming the firm was “essentially bankrupt” due to millions in prior fines, and disputing that the refund clause was ever fully agreed upon. They maintained they performed extensive work on Boosie’s behalf.

Boosie’s Accusations: ‘The Money Was Stolen’

Boosie has publicly accused the operatives of lying and scamming him, particularly over the New Year’s Day claim that the pardon was signed. In social media posts, he expressed frustration at being emotionally manipulated with false hope of freedom, only to be left without results or a refund. He has vowed to pursue the matter in federal court if arbitration fails, stating variations of being “played with” and demanding his money back after months of delay.

His lawyer has described the situation as people preying on hope in difficult legal circumstances. Boosie is currently pursuing arbitration through the American Arbitration Association to recover the $300,000 while also advancing a separate, direct pardon application to the White House through his own counsel.

The Lobbyists’ Response

Jack Burkman has pushed back, telling media outlets that Boosie “has no reason to be unhappy” and that the firm did more work for him than for nearly any other client. He disputed the refund provision’s validity and noted that a subsequent arrest in Texas complicated the pardon effort. The firm has portrayed itself as having worked diligently across Congress, influencers, and media.

Wohl and Burkman have a documented history of provocative political stunts and legal issues, which has fueled skepticism about their pardon-lobbying claims (they asserted involvement in nine pardons, though records show limited verifiable success).

Broader Context

This episode highlights the unregulated world of clemency lobbying in the current political climate, where individuals and firms charge substantial fees for access and influence with the White House on presidential pardons—a power that is nearly absolute. Boosie’s case is one of several involving high-profile clients and large payments.

As of mid-July 2026, the arbitration remains ongoing, Boosie continues his music career and public commentary, and no pardon has been granted in his federal gun case. He has expressed ongoing hope through legitimate channels while fighting to recover what he views as stolen funds from a broken promise.

The dispute underscores the high stakes—and high risks—of navigating the criminal justice system through expensive third-party advocates when freedom and reputation are on the line.

With the Fourth of July and related events here, it’s a good thing to be familiar with your rights — and restrictions — as it relates to shooting fireworks in Atlanta and surrounding cities in Georgia.

Can I Shoot Fireworks in the Air in Georgia?

Yes, it is legal to shoot fireworks in the air in Georgia, provided certain conditions are met. Consumer fireworks, including aerial types like bottle rockets, sky rockets, and mortars, classified as DOT 1.4G, are permitted for purchase and use by individuals aged 18 and older, as outlined in Georgia General Assembly House Bill 727.

These can be used on private property any day from 10:00 A.M. to 11:59 P.M., with extended hours until midnight on July 3 and July 4, and until 1:00 A.M. on January 1.However, there are restrictions:

• Prohibited Locations: Fireworks cannot be ignited within 100 yards of hospitals, nursing homes, electric substations, or facilities storing over 500 gallons of flammable liquids or gases. They are also banned in public parks, historic sites, recreational areas, or on city/state property without a special permit.
• Local Ordinances: Local governments may impose stricter rules, such as noise ordinances, which can limit usage times (e.g., to 10:00 P.M. in some areas). Check with your local jurisdiction for specific regulations.
• Safety and Age: Only those 18 or older can purchase fireworks, and it’s illegal to use them while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Children under 16 should be supervised due to high injury risks.
• Drought Restrictions: The governor may suspend fireworks use during drought conditions for safety reasons.
• Private Communities: HOAs or private communities may have additional rules prohibiting fireworks.

Final Word

As you can see, you can shoot fireworks in the air in Atlanta, but there are restrictions set down by the laws of the state.

For public displays or events, a permit is required from the local fire marshal, as in Marietta, where applications must be filed 10 days in advance.

Final Word

No matter what you do on The Fourth, the priority is to stay safe. Here are some ways to do that:

• Always have adult supervision for children.
• Read and follow all instructions on the fireworks packaging.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area away from buildings and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish sparks or fires.
• Light one firework at a time and never try to relight a dud.
• Wear protective eyewear and avoid loose clothing.

Always use fireworks on private property, away from structures, vehicles, and flammable materials, and follow safety guidelines to avoid injuries or property damage. If you’re in a specific city or county, verify local rules, as they can override state allowances in some cases.

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