Ex-Fayette County Official and Powerball Winner Faces Charges for Misappropriating $73K for Gambling
Ex-Parks Committee Leader Accused of Misappropriating Funds to Support Gambling Habit
Georgianna M. Carter, 58, who formerly served as vice president of the Point Marion parks committee and was a co-recipient of a $30.6 million Powerball jackpot in 2002, now faces allegations of embezzling over $73,000 from borough funds to finance her gambling addiction.
Details of the Theft Allegations and Investigation
Earlier this week, Carter was formally charged with felony theft after an investigation by Fayette County authorities revealed multiple unauthorized withdrawals and transactions from the Point Marion Borough Park Commission’s bank account. These alleged actions, occurring between April 2021 and August 2022, amounted to $73,183 taken without approval.
The issue came to light when Mayor Carl Ables Jr. noticed missing payments for the annual Point Marion Regatta in August 2022. A review of the park commission’s finances exposed transactions that were not legitimate municipal expenses, including funds directed to Carter herself.
After reporting these irregularities to the Point Marion Police Department, investigators confronted Carter, who reportedly admitted to the theft. Despite this admission, no official police report was filed initially, and she was not immediately charged but was removed from her position on the commission.
The investigation remained dormant for nearly three years until renewed interest arose following a meeting between new Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele and local officials last year. This prompted further inquiry, culminating in an interview conducted by Detective Steven Kontaxes and an FBI agent with Carter in August 2025.
During the interview, Carter again confessed to the embezzlement but claimed that her partner, Robert Cogar, had compensated the borough. However, financial reviews showed Cogar had only issued three checks totaling $17,000, falling far short of the amount taken. Cogar is not currently facing any charges.
District Attorney Aubele expressed surprise that despite winning two significant lottery jackpots, Carter lacked sufficient funds to make full restitution. She is released on a $50,000 unsecured bond and awaits her preliminary hearing with District Judge Daniel Shimshock, set for February 25.
Carter’s Lottery Wins and Intended Use of Funds
Back in 2002, Carter won a $30.6 million Powerball jackpot after purchasing a ticket in Morgantown, West Virginia, alongside her partner. The couple arrived at the West Virginia Lottery headquarters in Charleston by limousine to claim their ceremonial check for the $12 million lump-sum payout.
At the time, Carter stated their main objectives with the lottery winnings were to ensure their children’s futures, including paying for college, and to support older family members.
Additionally, Carter won $100,000 from a Pennsylvania Lottery instant scratch-off ticket in October 2011, bought from a grocery store in Point Marion. She described her plans for this prize as undecided during a public announcement.
