Former Department of Public Health Human Resources Director Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Job Application

On May 7, 2015, former Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) human resources director Donna Alexander pled guilty in Fulton County Superior Court to seven counts of False Statement and Writings(O.C.G.A. § 16-10-20). Judge Richard Hicks sentenced Alexander under the First Offender Act to 30 months probation and a $1000 fine. The Attorney General’s Office opposed First Offender Act treatment.Alexander was hired as the human resources director for DPH in October 2012. She claimed that she had earned B.S., M.B.A., and J.D. degrees from Florida International University; held three prior positions as a human resources director; and was certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. After an internal investigation revealed that she had none of these claimed qualifications, she was terminated in December 2012.

“Ms. Alexander fabricated her resume to secure a high-paying job in which she was entrusted with much responsibility,”

said Attorney General Sam Olens.

“This case sends a strong message that we will not tolerate fraud by state employees.”

Assistant Attorney General Daniel Hiatt prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Georgia. The case was investigated by the DPH Inspector General’s Office.

Press release submitted by Lauren Kane
Director of Communications
Georgia Department of Law