HR Director Bought Personal Gift Cards With City Money

The former Smyrna human resources director accused of using city credit cards for personal use pleaded guilty on Monday.

A judge sentenced Chris Corey to a year in prison and 15 years on probation. The judge also ordered Corey to pay back $121,000.

Corey worked for the city of Smyrna for 14 years including a decade as human resources director.

Police said Corey regularly used city credit cards to purchase gift cards at grocery stores, department stores and restaurants.

Corey also used gift cards for a health membership, car repairs and to pay household bills, authorities said.

The original arrest warrant issued in June 2009 said unauthorized gift cards totaling $14,000 were purchased on city credit cards.

City officials said a loophole allowing the purchases was closed after Corey’s arrest.

Corey was hired by Rockdale County to work in its human resources department after he was fired by the city of Smyrna.