Two former executives of Drive Planning have been sentenced for their involvement in a $380 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 2,000 investors, marking the largest such scheme in Georgia's history. David Bradford, former Chief Operating Officer, received a four-year prison sentence, while Julie Edwards, former Chief Administrative Officer, was sentenced to two years.
Both executives pleaded guilty to charges related to orchestrating the scheme, which spanned from 2020 to 2024. The company, now in receivership, marketed investment opportunities such as the “Real Estate Acceleration Loan” and the “Cash Out Real Estate Fund.” Investors were promised returns of 10% every six months or 22% annually, with assurances of passive income from tax liens.
Prosecutors stated that Drive Planning executives failed to disclose that funds received after December 9, 2022, were not being invested as promised. Bradford, 53, a pastor and father of six, pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. During his sentencing hearing, he described himself as a "coward" for his actions.
U.S. District Court Judge Tiffany Johnson acknowledged Bradford's remorse but highlighted the widespread impact of his crimes, noting that many victims were people who trusted him due to his faith. Some investors lost retirement savings, college funds, and were forced to remortgage their homes. Bradford was ordered to pay $4.2 million in restitution.
Edwards pleaded guilty in March to money laundering charges. She used $630,000 of investor funds to purchase a home, which has since been taken over by Drive Planning's receiver as part of a civil case. Edwards had initially entered a not guilty plea.
The scheme's CEO, Todd Burkholter, 54, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in January. He founded Drive Planning and used investor funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing a $2 million yacht, a $2.1 million condo in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and multiple luxury vehicles. Burkholter is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, 2026. Prosecutors have recommended a 17-and-a-half-year prison term as part of his plea deal.