In a stunning case of hypocrisy, Robertson, a Democrat that donated to District Attorney Fani Willis, was sentenced to over 7 years in prison for fraudulently obtaining nearly $15 million in COVID-19 relief loans intended for struggling small businesses.
The 62-year-old used the ill-gotten funds on luxury items like a 10-carat diamond ring, a Rolls-Royce, and a motorcycle.
Robertson has also hosted a “Mommy & Me” podcast with daughter Brii Renee, where she dished out advice on “navigating life’s challenges” and making money through “integrity” and hard work to nearly 300,000 subscribers.
“I choose integrity and whatever else it brings. I don’t choose selling your soul to the devil. Because that would mean I am willing to belittle myself and degrade myself for the love of what? Of a dollar,” Robertson stated on an October 2022 episode, even as the Department of Justice was already investigating her fraudulent loans.
Robertson submitted false applications to the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), grossly inflating payroll numbers for four businesses she claimed to operate.
Court documents show she “falsely claimed she was responsible for 427 employees” to illegally secure nearly $15 million in emergency funds.
“Motivated by greed, Robertson deceptively obtained funds that were designated to provide emergency financial relief to struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said.
Robertson conspired with attorney Chandra Norton to con the PPP system, with Norton later taking a plea deal and testifying against her former friend.
“It was her level of direction and confidence in being able to commit this level of fraud without being detected that instigated it in the first place,” U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg stated in handing down the 87-month sentence. “And the amount of loss – over $14 million – is just a staggering amount.”
While acting contrite in court – “I’m dead broke. .. My business is gone. My assets are gone. The only thing I have left is my family and faith in God” – Robertson had shown no such remorse in her podcast just weeks before sentencing.
“When you have a passion for something you love, you can do it for free,” she told listeners. “Don’t ever chase the money. The money will come. Chase your passion, chase your dream.”
Her daughter Brii , an influencer with over 600,000 Instagram followers, had celebrated Robertson in a now-ironic tribute: “I wouldn’t be who I am today without the amazing mother, example, hustler, you are! Thank you for every sacrifice you made and every dream you pushed me to achieve!”
Judge Grimberg condemned Robertson’s COVID fraud for threatening the integrity of future emergency relief efforts.
“The victims are every single American taxpayer,” he said. “These types of offenses of government programs impact each and every one of us.”