Pretty Southern – Page 21 – Love the South

Pretty Southern

Spend New Year’s Day at Dantanna’s Bubbles & Bloodies Brunch

What better way to start 2019 than by celebrating National Bloody Mary Day on Tuesday, January 1st at Dantanna’s Buckhead? In honor of their new Bubbles, Bloodies and Brunch menu that’s now available every Saturday and Sunday through 5 p.m., Executive Chef Brad Parker is hosting a special New Year’s Day brunch.

From signature and new favorites, diners can also dive into a new Build Your Own Mimosa Bar, mimosa flights, brunch cocktails and Bloody Marys. Below are five must-try dishes off of the new brunch menu that we’re simply swooning over.

5 New Must-Try Brunch Dishes at Dantanna’s

Monkey Bread

Sweet Dough, Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar, Baked Pull-Apart Style with Sugar Glaze.

Cured Salmon Avocado Toast

House Cured Salmon Over Wheat Bread with Smashed Avocado, Topped with a Sunny Side Up Egg and Everything Seasoning.

Build Your Own Mimosa Bar

Choose a split of Chandon Brut, Sweet Star or Sparkling Rosé and Build Your Masterpiece with our Selection of juices

purées and fresh fruit.

Weekend Wake Up Cocktail

Cruzan Single Barrel Rum, Amaro Averna, Cold Brew Coffee, Sugar and Cream.

Heirloom Tomato Panzanella

Heirloom Tomatoes and Crispy Bread Tosses with Balsamic Reduction, Sherry Vinegar, Red Onion, Evoo, Torn Basil.

A favorite Atlanta dining and drinking staple, Dantanna’s recently celebrated its 15th anniversary and boasts two convenient locations, Buckhead and Downtown in CNN Center. Combining culinary excellence with the entertainment value of sports to create the ultimate restaurant experience, Dantanna’s Buckhead and Downtown exude the sophistication of a five-star restaurant and the entertainment of having a private box at your favorite game.

Dantanna’s Buckhead is located at the Shops Around Lenox, 3400 Around Lenox Rd NE #304, Atlanta, GA 30326. Dantanna’s Downtown is located at One CNN Center, Suite 269, Atlanta, GA 30303. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.dantannas.com or call 404.760.8873 for Dantanna’s Buckhead or call 404.522.8873 for Dantanna’s Downtown. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @dantannas.

December 28, 2018
Where To Spend New Year’s Eve in Atlanta

From an unforgettable Möet & Chandon New Year’s Eve celebration at STK and an indulgent prix fixe dinner at Atlas to a a big bash at City Winery and much more, there’s something for all tastes and budgets as we bid goodbye to the old and welcome the new.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Atlanta!

Ring in the New Year with an Indulgent Four-Course Dinner at Atlas

Decked out in holiday décor, Atlas will offer three seatings this New Year’s Eve at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for a special, four-course prix fixe dinner created by Executive Chef Chris Grossman for $150 per person. Diners will be treated to an evening of live music by La Calle Ocho Funk Band and a celebratory midnight toast to ring in 2019. The Tavern at Atlas will also be serving its acclaimed small plates menu.

With a focus on curating fresh ingredients from local farms, Atlas is an award-winning restaurant located in The St. Regis Atlanta (88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW) and celebrates the very best in seasonal American cuisine combined with European influences. For more information or to make a reservation, visit atlasrestaurant.com or call 404.600.6471. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter at @AtlasBuckhead.

Celebrate 2019 Outside the City at Bistro Off Broad

Want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Atlanta this New Year’s Eve? Bistro Off Broad, a chef-inspired bistro located in historic downtown Winder, GA, is hosting a special New Year’s Eve celebration on Monday, December 31st. Known for its farm-to-table French and Contemporary American Cuisine, award-winning Executive Chef Alex Friedman has whipped up a Southern-style, four-course prix fixe dinner menu for $65 per person or $85 per person with wine pairings.

In addition to the regular menu, beginning at 6 p.m., Chef Alex will be serving: Hoppin’ John — Black Eyed Peas, Grilled Baby Collards, Corn Pudding, Smoked Ham, Pot Likker Demi; Diver Scallop — Blue Crab Finger, Warm Blue Crab Salad, Charred Citrus Butter, Kaffir Lime; 72 Hour Short Rib — Goat Cheese Ravioli, Sweet Potato Puree, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Baby Boy Choy; and finally, Passionfruit Mouse — Vanilla Genoise, Blood Peach, and White Chocolate Truffles. And, if that wasn’t enough, guests will be treated to live music from the Daniel Lee Band and a champagne toast at midnight.

For more information, visit www.bistrooffbroad.com or call 678.963.5517. Bistro off Broad is located at 16 E. Candler Street in Winder, GA 30680. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @bistrobroad and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bistro-Off-Broad.

Celebrate The New Year at TWO urban licks

Celebrating the New Year in style, hungry revelers are invited to visit TWO urban licks for New Year’s Eve dinner created by Executive Chef Michael Bertozzi on Monday, December 31st between 4:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. Conveniently located on the Atlanta BeltLine, the evening will feature live music from Johnny Cash Now and a balloon drop at midnight.

TWO is also hosting a New Year’s Day dinner on Tuesday, January 1st from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests can take advantage of TWO’s acclaimed wine program, craft beers and specialty cocktails while enjoying an array of classics such as: TWO’s popular Salmon Chips — Smoked Salmon, Chipotle Cream Cheese, Capers, and Red Onion; Pork Belly — Shrimp Fried Rice, Farm Egg, House Kimchi, and Unagi; Lamb Porterhouse — Fottouch, Fregula, Hummus Cherry Bomb Hot Sauce.

To make a reservation, visit twourbanlicks.com or call 404.522.4622. TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30306. Stay connected on Twitter at @2urbanlicks and Instagram at @TwoUrbanLicks and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Two UrbanLicks.

Sail into the New Year with Yacht Rock Revue at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park

Let the countdown begin as Park Tavern gets ready to sail into the New Year on Monday, December 31st with an all-inclusive celebration featuring live music from Yacht Rock Revue in the Piedmont Room.  Beginning at 9 p.m., partygoers are invited to enjoy an open bar of premium liquor, beer, wine and champagne from Coors Light, Blue Moon, Miller Lite, Crispin Original, Finlandia, Sland Irish Whiskey, Jack Daniels, Jack Daniels Winter Jack and El Jimador tequila, along with a range of tasty offerings including hors d’oeuvres, tacos, sliders, fresh sushi flown in from Hawaii, and s’mores. At midnight, guests will be treated to a champagne toast and can dive into a breakfast buffet that includes Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, breakfast burritos, and much more.

General Admission tickets are available for $125 for ages 21 and up and the Ultimate VIP Experience tickets are available for $200 and include champagne, oysters, sushi and wagyu beef from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the Yachty New Year’s Eve Party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.parktavern.com or call 404.249.0001. Park Tavern is located at  500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. Stay connected on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ParkTavern and on Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter @parktavern.

Ring in 2019 at STK Atlanta’s Moët & Chandon New Year’s Celebration

This New Year’s Eve, join Midtown’s sexiest steakhouse for an unforgettable New Year’s celebration on Monday, December 31st. Known for its high-energy atmosphere and exceptional, signature and seasonal offerings, STK will take luxe to the next level during its New Year’s Eve Moët & Chandon Celebration. Not only are partygoers invited to enjoy a selection of seasonal specials created by Executive Chef Thomas Mikesell from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., but they can also take advantage of a three-hour premium open bar beginning at 9 p.m. Revelers are invited to dance the night away to a live DJ performance and will be treated to complimentary New Year’s Eve party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and much more.

General Admission tickets, including a 3-hour premium open bar experience, is available for $95 per person. For a more exclusive experience, partygoers can take advantage of the Moët & Chandon Champagne Ice Impérial option that includes a 750ML Bottle and a dinner reservation for two guests for $150 per person; the Moët & Chandon Champagne Magnum Bottle experience that includes a dinner reservation for four guests for $225 per person; or the Moët & Chandon Champagne Public School Limited Edition Bottle experience that includes a dinner reservation for four guests for $325 per person. Tax and gratuity are not included in any package. The event is for ages 21 and up and tickets are available by visiting https://www.bigtickets.com/events/stkatlanta/stk-atlanta-new-years-eve-ice-ball/?referral=bt-buy-tix.

For more information, visit STK Atlanta online at www.stkhouse.com or call 404.793.0144. STK Atlanta is located at 1075 Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta on the corner of Peachtree and 12th Streets in the 12th & Midtown development. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @eatstk #stkatlanta and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/eatSTKAtlanta/.

Cheers to the New Year at City Winery

Atlanta Wine Festivals is returning for the second year in a row to the popular urban winery to host an unforgettable bash on Monday, December 31st from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The all-inclusive, high-energy party will feature a premium buffet, spirits, beer, and fantastic wine options for revelers.  Guests can also dance the night away as they prepare to ring in 2019 with live music from Coast Guard and a popular local DJ.  General Admission tickets are $99 advance and $109 after December 22nd and $119 the day of the event.  VIP tickets are also available and include an 8 p.m. entry and access to exclusive VIP bars for $139 advance and $149 after December 22nd. VIP tickets are not available the day of the event. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.bigtickets.com/events/atlantabeerfestivals/atlanta-wine-festivals-new-years-eve/?referral=cw.

For more information, visit citywinery.com/atlanta or call 404.946.3791. City Winery is located at Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave NE, Suite #20, Atlanta, GA 3038. Stay connected on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @citywineryatl.

It’s New Year’s Eve on Miracle on Highland at PARISH

It’s beginning to look a lot like cocktails! Conveniently located along the BeltLine in Inman Park, join PARISH for a New Year’s Eve Miracle on Highland. Beginning at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 31st, partygoers can cozy up in the winter wonderland and take advantage of PARISH’s buffet, an open bar that includes Miracle’s cocktail line up, beer, wine and well spirits upstairs, while bourbon and bubbles will be flowing in the market downstairs. The evening’s soundtrack is created by Rare Form Crew. Tickets are available for $120 per person at MiraclebarAtlanta.com.

Can’t make it for New Year’s Eve? Miracle on Highland is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Miracle on Highland at PARISH: The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café is located at 240 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307. For reservations and more information, visit parishatl.com or call 404.681.4434. Stay connected on Twitter at @parishatl and Instagram at @parishinmanpark and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/parishatl.

Keep It Casual at Dantanna’s This New Year’s Eve

With locations in Buckhead and Downtown in CNN Center, Dantanna’s invites revelers to keep it casual this New Year’s Eve. Offering their full dinner menu featuring a diverse selection of fresh seafood, steak, burgers, salads, sandwiches and more, guests can sit back and relax while watching the ball drop on one of the many flat screen TVs located throughout the restaurant and bar. An Atlanta institution for drinking and dining over the past 15 years, both locations will be open until midnight on New Year’s Eve, Monday, December 31, 2018.

Dantanna’s Buckhead is located at the Shops Around Lenox, 3400 Around Lenox Rd NE #304, Atlanta, GA 30326. Dantanna’s Downtown is located at 1 CNN Center #269, Atlanta, GA 30303. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.dantannas.com or call 404.760.8873 for Dantanna’s Buckhead or 404.522.8873 for Dantanna’s Downtown. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @dantannas.

December 27, 2018
Happy Holidays + New Stories from Pretty Southern

Dearest family, friends, and members of the Pretty Southern squad:

Hope all is merry and bright in your world. This has certainly been a wild year. Lord knows we’ve all been through a lot (some more than others) but we’ve stuck through it together. That’s just what we do 🙂

It’s crazy to think it was almost six months ago when I first let y’all know what I was up to with the Pretty Southern novel stories.

I was neither expecting a job change, nor the crazy timewarp that seemed to happen from football season through the holidays; but here we are, at nearly the end of another trip around the sun, and there is still so much work to do.

All I can say is thank you. Thanks for your continued support as I try to balance working + writing + everything else. It only seems fair to let y’all know there is a plan in place, and if anyone is interested in checking out the master outline, I’ll happily share it.

But first…

***SPOILER ALERT***
I’ve published the epilogue, the end of the first “part” of the Pretty Southern saga. After Macy and Campbell’s wedding, Macy’s daddy, Randy, gets indicted on charges of running a pyramid scheme.

For something different, I put on my reporter’s cap and wrote Randy Cunningham’s Crimes & Conviction. Shoutout to Rachel Boyd for her copy editing/review + legal eagle Harry Dixon III for sharing his knowledge of white-collar financial crimes.

I’ve also published a couple other PS stories, none of which are quite right, but here they are for your consideration:
Grace Cunningham Falls in Love with the Boy Next Door
Georgia Katharine Cunningham – The “Li’l Liberal”
The Night Macy Got Engaged + the Pretty Southern Character Guide

Your thoughts and feedback are much welcome and appreciated as this is still very much a work-in-progress.

Fingers crossed I hope to get something big published before the end of this year so I (once again) don’t enter a new year feeling like a failure for not having finished this novel. Today, fearing I’ll once again fail, I was reminded of this marvelous quote from It’s a Wonderful Life:

“Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.”

Thank you so much, dear reader, for always being there.

Love y’all and happiest of holidays,
Lauren

December 25, 2018
Celebrate National Champagne Day and New Year’s Eve with STK Atlanta
STK Atlanta, a Midtown hotspot that artfully blends a modern steakhouse and chic lounge  into one, is putting the bubbles back into National Champagne Day. On Monday, December 31st, imbibers can toast to the occasion and grab their favorite bottles of bubbly with STK’s Peppermint Prosecco Cocktail. Featuring a melted chocolate and crushed candy cade rim, this champagne cocktail will bring that extra fizz to any holiday party.

If you prefer to celebrate National Champagne day at home, you may order your favorite champagne from a liquor store.

STK’s Peppermint Prosecco Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:
- 5oz Prosecco
- 1oz peppermint liquor
- Melted Chocolate
- Crush Candy Canes
- Mini Candy Canes
Directions:
1. Rim the champagne flute with melted chocolate.
2. Then finish rim with crushed candy cane coating.
3. Combine Prosecco and peppermint liquor into the champagne flute.
4. Garnish with a mini candy cane.
Revelers looking to keep the champagne showers rolling are also invited to join Midtown’s sexiest steakhouse for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Moët & Chandon Celebration on Monday, December 31, 2018. Known for its high-energy atmosphere, STK will take luxe to the next level with seasonal specials created by Executive Chef Thomas Mikesell from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., a three-hour premium open bar beginning at 9 p.m., a live DJ performance, complimentary New Year’s Eve party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and much more. To purchase tickets, visit www.bigtickets.com/events/stkatlanta/stk-atlanta-new-years-eve-ice-ball.

STK Atlanta is located at 1075 Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta on the corner of Peachtree and 12th Streets in the 12th & Midtown development. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @eatstk #stkatlanta. Visit http://togrp.com for more information or to make a reservation.
December 25, 2018
Where to Imbibe & Dine in Atlanta on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Indulge a little this holiday season at these Atlanta hotspots

on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Atlas

Known for exceptional service and offering a fresh, innovative approach to traditional dishes, holiday diners can head to Atlas this Christmas Eve for a special dinner created by Executive Chef Chris Grossman from 5 to 9 p.m. With a daily-changing menu that is driven entirely by partnerships with a collection of more than a dozen local farms, Atlas is an award-winning restaurant located in The St. Regis Atlanta that celebrates the very best in seasonal American cuisine combined with European influences. Atlas will be closed on Christmas Day.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit atlasrestaurant.com or call (404) 600-6471. Atlas is located at 88 West Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta, GA 30305. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter at @AtlasBuckhead and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AtlasBuckhead.

TWO urban licks

This Christmas Eve, TWO urban licks will be hosting a special a la carte dinner. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. patrons can enjoy fiery creations by acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Bertozzi, including his seasonal and classic favorites, such as Oysters Rockefeller, Smoked Tomahawk Prime Rib, Cajun Deep Fried Turkey and Trimmings, Warm Sugar Cookies and Eggnog Creme Brûlée, while taking in the smooth sounds of a live music performance from Kerry Hill band. TWO is closed on Christmas Day. Located conveniently on the Atlanta BeltLine in the Old Fourth Ward, guests can also take advantage of the outdoor seating available on TWO’s expansive patio.

To make a reservation, visit twourbanlicks.com or call 404.522.4622. TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30306. Stay connected on Twitter at @2urbanlicks and Instagram at @TwoUrbanLicks and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TwoUrbanLicks/.

Dantanna’s Buckhead

Guests can belly up to the bar or relax in the dining room at Dantanna’s Buckhead this Christmas Eve between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and take advantage of the expansive menu featuring aged steaks, daily fresh seafood, juicy burgers, signature favorites and much more. Signature and classic cocktails, craft beers and wine will also be flowing. Dantanna’s Buckhead will be closed Christmas Day and Dantanna’s Downtown will be closed on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

For more information, visit www.dantannas.com or call 404.760.8873 for Buckhead and 404.522.8873 for Downtown. Dantanna’s Buckhead is located at the Shops Around Lenox, 3400 Around Lenox Rd NE #304, Atlanta, GA 30326. Dantanna’s Downtown is located at 1 CNN Center #269, Atlanta, GA 30303. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @dantannas and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dantannas/.

STK Atlanta

Diners looking for a chic Christmas Eve experience can head to STK Atlanta for an unforgettable dinner. Along with the full dinner menu featuring reimagined classic American cuisine with signature dishes and, of course, the highest quality steak, Midtown’s sexiest steakhouse will be serving holiday specials created by Executive Chef Thomas Mikesell from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. such as: Roasted Chestnut Soup; Waygu Prime Rib; Surf & Turf – 8 ounce Bone in Filet, Main Lobster, Champagne Bearer Blanc; and a 4 ounce filet with mac and cheese and asparagus for the kids at the table.

STK will be open on Christmas Day from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about STK, visit www.stkhouse.com or call 404-793-0144. STK Atlanta is located at 1075 Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta on the corner of Peachtree and 12th Streets in the 12th & Midtown development. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @eatstk #stkatlanta and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/eatSTKAtlanta.

Bully Boy

Bully Boy, the newest BeltLine restaurant from Concentrics Restaurants and acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Bertozzi, is offering its full dinner menu on Christmas Eve from 5 to 9 p.m. Offering Eastern seaboard fare from its farms, rivers and coastal waters with an approach that has far reaching influences, guests can also enjoy a nostalgic cocktail list, local and coastal craft brews and curated wine list created by Advanced Sommelier Justin Amick of Painted Hospitality. Bully Boy is closed on Christmas Day.

Bully Boy is a destination restaurant located in the Old Fourth Ward next to TWO urban licks, in between The Telephone Factory and Common Grounds, right down the BeltLine from Ponce City Market at 828 W10 Ralph McGill Blvd, Atlanta, Georgia 30306.

For more information on Bully Boy and Concentrics Restaurants please visit www.bullyboyatl.com and www.concentricsrestaurants.com or call 678.904.5607. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @bullyboyatl and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BullyBoyATL.

December 20, 2018
Randy Cunningham’s Crimes & Conviction – Pretty Southern

Editor’s note – the following is a story from the Pretty Southern novel series. Learn more about Randy Cunningham, the patriarch of the Cunningham family, and his alleged crimes.

Prominent Atlanta construction CEO convicted of running a pyramid scheme

Renowned developer Randy Cunningham was the epitome of the American dream. He grew his company, Cunningham Construction, into one of the top development firms in the South beginning with the housing boom of the 1990s. And he had even bigger plans financed by his firm, Cunningham Capital, to bankroll his projects through investments from hundreds of people across the country and outside the U.S.

However, a federal jury found Cunningham guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud and running an elaborate pyramid scheme which came crumbling down with the housing market crash in 2008.

After deliberating for almost eight hours, the jury ruled that Cunningham had embezzled nearly $10 million from his firm’s accounts including using the money to pay for the wedding of his daughter, Macy, to Campbell Brayden, son of Georgia’s governor, Bill Brayden.

Cunningham was also found guilty on conspiring to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and multiple counts of making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Cunningham, who is out on a $1 million bond, could face decades in federal prison, although this will not be determined until a sentencing hearing to be held later this year.

Legal analysts interviewed on the subject said Cunningham would most likely be sentenced to 10 years in prison, with three years of supervised release.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is also initiating an asset forfeiture as part of this case with plans to seize Mr. Cunningham’s property and sell it off to provide restitution to the victims.

The prosecution asserted Cunningham had begun to siphon off funds from both Cunningham Construction and Cunningham Capital as early as 2004. During the review of Cunningham’s business and personal accounts, the money was used to pay for an opulent lifestyle including mortgages on both his family’s homes: a mansion in Buckhead’s posh Tuxedo Park and a beach house on St. Simons Island.

Cunningham also wrote large tuition checks for the education of his daughters, Macy and Katharine, as well as the private school tuition for his youngest daughter, Grace, to the prestigious Magnolia Academy, where all three Cunningham girls graduated before heading to college.

During this period, he supported Macy in her pageants, who had won Miss Georgia, and competed as a contestant at the national level. After Macy graduated from college and moved to New York City to become a Rockette, Cunningham paid his daughter’s rent for her Brooklyn apartment before she became engaged to Governor Brayden’s son in late 2008.

Six vehicles were also purchased during a five-year timeframe prior to Black Monday in 2008, including a Porsche 911, Cadillac Escalade, BMW 5-series, and cars for each of Cunninghams’ three daughters, though they were of more modest makes and models.

There were also lavish trips abroad to Europe and the Caribbean islands for Cunningham and his wife, Caroline, who is a regular fixture in the Atlanta philanthropy scene. In addition to vacationing in the family beach house, there was a three-week trip abroad to Australia and New Zealand in the summer of 2007 when the housing market was at an all-time high. Financial records show Cunningham awarded himself a $2.5 million bonus at the end of 2006 paid out in March 2007.

In his defense, Ernest Piedmont, Cunningham’s attorney of white-shoe Atlanta firm Piedmont, Candler, & Ware, asserted his client didn’t know that these millions of dollars in payments he made to himself had been drawn from the firm’s escrow accounts containing investment capital, which was not to be used for cash payouts like bonuses or other incentives.

The defense laid the blame on Cunningham’s chief financial officer and lifelong best friend, Darius Youngblood V, claiming Youngblood was the one who managed the funds and Cunningham never knew that the money was coming from somewhere it shouldn’t have been.

“People really want to believe in something, to trust someone, and to always see the best in others,” Piedmont said in the defense’s closing argument. “Randy believed in Darius and their business of building things. He trusted Darius as a friend for years, which could be his downfall if the ladies and gentlemen of this jury are to believe my colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

Cunningham testified that he had nothing to do with any conspiracy to commit fraud. Throughout his week-long trial, Cunningham said he was responsible for overseeing the numerous construction projects and hundreds of employees, while Youngblood was in charge of the books.

Although Youngblood was also charged in the indictment, he reached a plea agreement with the prosecution, avoiding prison time by agreeing to provide restitution to repay investors from personal funds belonging to the Youngblood family trust.

Surprisingly, the prosecution did not call Youngblood as a witness. Youngblood’s counsel said he was unable to appear in court due to his early onset Alzheimer’s, a disease which also claimed the life of Youngblood’s mother, Lydia.

The SEC investigation originally began in early 2008 starting with Youngblood, as he served as CFO of both Cunningham Construction and Cunningham Capital. Witness targets for this type of investigation can be indicted for any irregularity in the books or investor complaints, which in this case triggered the initial investigation.

A group of investors who also bought into mit Kryptowährungen handeln in Cunningham Captial have also filed a civil suit against Cunningham Construction, the family-owned business which was the primary pool of the investors’ dollars. The civil suit brings a RICO action against Cunningham, alleging that he knowingly bilked their money and used it for promotional money laundering.

Statements allege that Cunningham and Youngblood rented a mansion in Augusta for the Masters Tournament in 2006 where investors (predominantly men) were invited for a bourbon and cigar tasting, then quietly shuttled into a side room where Cunningham and Youngblood pitched them investment opportunities like the Ivy Terrace condominium project which never broke ground.

“The Recession has hit us all hard, some harder than others. I built this business from the ground up and never expected any of this to happen,” Cunningham said as he exited the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and faced a crowd of reporters. “At the end of the day, I’m a self-made man who got to where he is with help from his friends and the love of his family. After losing both my parents at a young age and never attending college, I wanted to give my children the life I never had. I’m disappointed in today’s verdict and I plan on appealing my case to the Eleventh Circuit.”

In support of his daughter-in-law, Governor Brayden’s office issued a statement: “Macy Brayden is the daughter we never had. She has been a light in our son’s life, as well as ours. Whatever may have happened is no reflection on her character and we ask the media to be respectful of Macy, her mother, and sisters during this difficult time for their family.”

The Governor’s office declined to comment on the verdict of Cunningham’s trial.

— Pretty Southern staff reports

Editor’s note – Rachel Boyd and Harry Dixon III contributed with editorial review of this story. This is entirely a work of fiction and any names are purely coincidental. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

December 15, 2018