A financial group’s chief executive is accused of orchestrating the largest Ponzi scheme in Georgia’s history—allegedly funneling investors’ money into a lavish, jet-set lifestyle that included a luxury yacht, a multimillion-dollar beachfront condo in Mexico, high-end cars, designer jewelry, and private jet charters.
Todd Burkhalter, the CEO of Drive Planning LLC, pleaded guilty to a sweeping fraud that victimized more than 2,000 people and siphoned off over $380 million between September 2020 and June 2024, according to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.
“Unbelievably, Burkhalter shamelessly continued to scam his victims even while under federal investigation,” Hertzberg said. “Today’s guilty plea is just the first step in holding Burkhalter accountable for the considerable harm he caused.”
Todd Burkhalter admitted to running a sweeping fraud that left more than 2,000 victims and cost them over $380 million between September 2020 and June 2024. Todd Burkhalter / Instagram
The 54-year-old Florida native allegedly used his Alpharetta, Georgia–based company as a vehicle to pitch a series of investment schemes, including the so-called Real Estate Acceleration Loan (REAL) and the Cash Out Real Estate Fund, known as the CORE Fund.
Burkhalter pitched the funds as “easy and simple” investments, encouraging would-be investors to dip into their retirement accounts and life savings.
Burkhalter made REAL the centerpiece of Drive Planning’s operation, falsely pitching it as a “bridge loan” that guaranteed investors a 10% return every three months.
Throughout the scam, Burkhalter allegedly tapped investor and loan funds to finance personal splurges and fuel an extravagant lifestyle.
He tricked investors into believing the company was fully secured by real estate, supporting the lie with fake “collateral sheets” that named properties—many of which were entirely fictional.
Burkhalter posed in front of a private jet, reportedly funded with cash stolen from the scheme. Todd Burkhalter / Instagram
Burkhalter raked in money from investors and loan funds, using it to fuel an extravagant lifestyle filled with luxury purchases. Todd Burkhalter / Instagram
Burkhalter boasted of ties to top Georgia real estate developers, misleading investors by claiming their properties secured his investments.
The fraudulent company lured investors with claims of “100% Passive Income from Tax Liens” via the CORE Fund, falsely guaranteeing 10% returns every six months—or 22% per year—for up to three years.
Investors poured at least $4.1 million into the CORE Fund, money the company collected under false pretenses.
Prosecutors allege Burkhalter’s deceptions started at Drive Planning’s inception, using the first $50,000 from REAL in 2020 to cover a $21,000 payout to an early investor.
Burkhalter funneled stolen investor funds into extravagant purchases, from a $2 million yacht and a $2.1 million Cabo San Lucas condo to $800,000 on luxury vehicles, including a 2020 Prevost Marathon motorcoach and two 2024 Land Rovers.
The 54-year-old Florida native launched Drive Planning LLC, a Georgia-based advisory firm that would later become central to a massive fraud scheme. Todd Burkhalter / Instagram
Prosecutors allege Burkhalter’s deceptions started at Drive Planning’s inception, using the first $50,000 from REAL in 2020 to cover a $21,000 payout to an early investor. Todd Burkhalter / Instagram
Burkhalter lavished millions on private jet travel and blew $320,000 on designer clothes, jewelry, and luxury beauty treatments.
Burkhalter’s scheme extended all the way to the big leagues, infiltrating the prized sponsorship seats behind home plate at Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays.
He forked over $400,000 to the team to advertise Drive Planning LLC right inside the ballpark.
Burkhalter flaunted that Drive Planning’s ad appeared front and center behind home plate at a Tampa Bay Rays game. Todd Burkhalter / Facebook
In June 2024, Burkhalter snapped a photo during a broadcast of the Rays vs. Cubs game, proudly showing the bright orange Drive Planning ads glowing behind home plate.
“Keep more, make more, live more,” the Drive Planning advertisement flaunted, a bright promise to potential investors.
ABC Tampa Bay 28 reports that the Rays had to hand back half the money under a court settlement.
Burkhalter reportedly funneled at least $80,000 of investor money to pay his ex-wife’s attorneys and fund a recreational vehicle.
Despite a March 2024 SEC investigation into his company, Burkhalter kept raking in tens of millions from investors through the scheme until September.
Prosecutors are pushing for a 17½-year prison term for Burkhalter under his plea agreement.
A date for Burkhalter’s sentencing has not yet been set.
David Bradford, the former COO of Drive Planning, admitted on December 16, 2025, to conspiring to commit wire fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for March 17.
