Carolyn Freeman, also known as the "Atlanta Falcons BirdLady," has been placed under arrest on a felony charge of theft by deception during Sunday's Falcons' game, as Atlanta News First reports. The arrest follows an investigation surrounding claims of Freeman collecting money under the guise of organizing fan events, including tailgates and trips, but failing to deliver the said services.
It was Freeman's arrest warrant, issued on Oct. 30, as per information from Atlanta News First, that alleges the superfan obtained $14,000 to set up a party for a Chiefs-Falcons game on Sept. 22, but never appeared or refunded the money. Denied the accusations by speaking with Atlanta News First Investigates prior to her arrest, Freeman claimed, "I don’t need that money," and added, "I’ve never had a problem with money. I have money; my family has money."
Furthermore, an incident involving the Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead South Georgia Chapter revealed a contract with Freeman for a pre-game tailgate party. According to the organizer Tamira Southwood, who spoke with FOX5 Atlanta, Freeman made excuses on game day for her absence, citing hospitalization and run-ins with the police. The group had sent Freeman more than $14,500 via applications such as Eventbrite, Venmo, and PayPal, yet she never showed, up despite being spotted at the game.
Further accusations have shadowed Freeman, as both Atlanta News First's investigative reports and past incidents indicate a pattern. JeNard Gibson recalled for Atlanta News First, after seeing their story on Freeman, exclaimed, "I couldn‘t believe it, I was like, 'Man, she‘s still doing that?'" He recounted his own experience of a tarnished reputation involving a trip organized by Freeman to London in 2014. Despite her denials, the event planner associated with the London trip confirmed that the promised events on that occasion did not occur.
Freeman's nonprofit, BirdLady Cares Inc, has also been brought into question. Though categorically proclaimed by Freeman to Atlanta News First that, "None of that went to it because I spent more than I received, so BirdLady Cares has got nothing," the claims seem contrary given the organization's registered status as a 501(c)(3) and its stated mission to support children impacted by abuse, domestic violence, and bullying. As of now, the Georgia Attorney General's office has been contacted but has yet to state whether they are opening an investigation into these matters. Lastly, following her arrest, Freeman will appear in court today, November 5, according to information from FOX5 Atlanta.
