Former Franklin mayor sentenced to probation [LaGrange Daily News, Ga.]

July 02--The former mayor of Franklin was sentenced to seven years' probation on June 24 after pleading guilty to seven counts of theft by deception.

The charges are related to her work as an insurance agent for Columbus-based Aflac.

The investigation began in December 2009 and Chapman turned herself in to be charged in March 2012.

"In December, 2009, the District Attorney's Office of the Coweta Judicial Circuit initiated an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation into the conduct of Teresa Chapman, who was the mayor of the City of Franklin at the time, with respect to her position as a sales representative for the American Family Life Assurance Company (Aflac)," said District Attorney Pete Skandalakis. "The District Attorney's office is thankful for the tremendous work done by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that led the investigation to Muscogee County, which is where the corporate headquarters for American Family Life Assurance Company (Aflac) are located. We continued to assist and work together with Muscogee County to reach a negotiated resolution resulting in justice being served."

Officials said she would open policies in clients' names without consent, then pocket the commission.

Chapman is required to make restitution of $11,200.00 to Aflac and perform fifty (50) hours of community service. In addition, Chapman, pursuant to a negotiated special condition of her probation, is required to resign from public office and not seek election for any public office for the entire term of her sentence.

Chapman has resigned the mayor's seat, effective today.

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