A former Pearson police chief and his wife were arrested Thursday after state investigators accused them of siphoning more than $30,000 from a county Christmas charity meant to buy gifts for underprivileged children. The alleged misappropriation dates back to late 2019 and, according to investigators, continued through January 2026. Woodrow "Peewee" Wilson Burkhalter, 55, who previously served as Pearson's chief of police, was booked on multiple felony counts, while his wife, Angela Denise Burkhalter, 53, faces related charges. Both were taken into custody and transported to the Atkinson County jail.
According to CBS News Atlanta, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Burkhalter was designated as one of the managers of the Atkinson County Christmas Fund. Investigators allege he and his wife used that access to divert funds between November 2019 and January 2026. The outlet reports Burkhalter is facing 28 counts of theft by taking and 28 counts of theft by conversion, while Angela Burkhalter is charged with being party to those crimes.
Pearson's Recent State Scrutiny
Pearson has been on the state's radar before. Last September, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation carried out an operation that led to the arrest of the city clerk and the temporary closure of City Hall. As WALB reported, that probe raised questions about local financial oversight and left residents frustrated about how public and charitable money is handled.
Investigators Seek Tips
The GBI is asking anyone with information to call its Douglas regional office at (912) 389-4103 or the agency's anonymous tip line at 1-800-597-8477, according to a statement from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Tips can also be submitted online through the agency's tips portal.
Charges and Next Steps
Court dates had not been released by press time. Prosecutors will review the GBI file and determine whether to formally indict and schedule arraignments, CBS News Atlanta reports. In the meantime, organizers of local charity drives face the immediate task of accounting for donations and working to rebuild trust after years of alleged misdirection.
