ATLANTA — Jim Beck pleaded not guilty in federal court Wednesday to 38 charges including fraud and money laundering. The crimes allegedly happened between 2013 and 2018 but ended before he took office in the fall.
11Alive News spoke with Beck's attorney who confirmed Gov. Kemp issued an executive order suspending him, per Beck's request. The governor will likely appoint an interim commissioner, according to Beck's attorney. Beck maintains his innocence.
The U.S. Attorney BJay Pak laid out its case against Beck Wednesday in federal court. He revealed the state has more than 100,000 pages of evidence related to the case. Pak also said they have recordings of Beck lying about the scheme to a family member.
"In beginning of 2013, Mr. Beck convinced four of his associates to create four separate businesses with the alleged purpose of supplying Georgia Underwriting Association (GUA) with services,” said Pak, when announcing the indictment Tuesday.
Prosecutors painted a complicated scheme to cover up illegal payments Beck allegedly received.
The alleged crimes as detailed in indictment:
- Beck got payments through several companies
- Beck created shell companies to make fake invoices and redirect money given to him through other companies
"The grand jury has alleged in the indictment the creation of the companies were all suggested by Mr. Beck, the way the invoice was done was all suggested by Mr. Beck, and of course, there's allegations that he facilitated payments," Pak said.
Beck allegedly used the money to pay his personal taxes, buy a rental property, pay his credit card bills and fund his election campaign.
Shortly after the court hearing, Governor Kemp issued a letter asking Beck to resign from his office.
The judge ordered Beck be released on $25,000 bond under these conditions: he has no contact with victims/witnesses and he relinquishes any decision-making authority with the GUA. Beck agreed to those conditions.
If convicted on all charges, Beck faces between 8 to 10 years in jail.
Beck will continued to get paid while he is suspended. He makes around $120,000 annually.
Below is the full statement from the Office of Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner:
Today, Commissioner Jim Beck announced that he is suspending himself from office. This means he will be absent from making decisions with regard to the daily operations of the Department of Insurance. In his absence, Chief Deputy Insurance Commissioner Drew Lane will perform the duties of the Insurance Commissioner as provided for by Georgia law.
The Department anticipates Governor Kemp will appoint an acting Insurance Commissioner who will serve until the case against Commissioner Beck is resolved. The employees of the Department of Insurance remain focused on their service to the people of Georgia and will continue to work hard to fulfill their mission.