Former GBI Agent Charged With Racketeering

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- The former Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent who resigned following allegations she used a state-issued purchasing card to make improper transactions has been arrested.

Former GBI inspector Sandra Putnam, 44, has been charged with one count of racketeering. She turned herself in Wednesday to the DeKalb County Jail.

Putnam had a personal relationship with former Sandy Springs police Capt. Rob Stevens, who resigned his post last month amid allegations that Putnam used the card to buy personal gifts for the officer.

Putnam came under fire after an audit revealed "unusual" activity on her state-issued purchasing card, said GBI Deputy Director of Public Affairs Nelly Miles.

Items allegedly purchased for Stevens using the card include watches, a golf bag, shoes and clothing, Miles added. Sandy Springs police say items believed to have been obtained "fraudulently" will be turned over to the state agency.

The GBI was made aware of the alleged irregularities on the p-card on Wednesday, Aug. 17. As a result of the audits conducted by the Department of Administrative Services, the investigation revealed there were more than 350 transactions totaling more than $87,000 on the card.

Putnam ordered the items for personal use and had them shipped directly to her home.

"She altered the invoices to reflect legitimate type items being purchased and submitted those receipts into the p-card management system," the GBI said in a statement.

The GBI initiated a criminal investigation and executed a search warrant at Putnam's home. The investigator was initially relieved of her duties as an agent, but submitted her resignation on Thursday, Aug. 18 in lieu of termination.

Putnam, a 21-year veteran of the GBI, was released Aug. 31 on a $100,000 bond, DeKalb jail records show.

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Image via DeKalb County Jail