🕒 The Gist: Earnest Williams has been indicted by the Fulton County District Attorney for a series of frauds, including a fraudulent marriage to radio personality Shirley Strawberry, co-host of the “Steve Harvey Morning Show.”
📋 The Details: From 2009 to 2022, Williams allegedly posed as a legitimate businessman to defraud numerous victims. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis disclosed that Williams used his fraudulent marriage to Shirley Strawberry to bolster his credibility and scam others out of over $750,000. The 39-count indictment charges Williams under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act.
According to Deputy District Attorney Will Wooten, Williams created an illusion of success, exploiting romantic relationships to gain access to victims’ assets. He allegedly stole money, vehicles, motorcycles, coach buses, and other properties by issuing bad checks or failing to return items. Documents show Williams fraudulently married Strawberry while already being married to someone else, using the marriage to facilitate his scams. Williams’ co-conspirator, Ericka King, is also charged for falsely representing Williams in court as an attorney.
📊 By The Numbers:
- Duration of fraud: 2009-2022
- Number of victims: At least 25
- Amount defrauded: Over $750,000
- Indictment counts: 39
📞 What You Can Do: If you believe you are a victim of Earnest Williams, contact the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office via email at FCDA.FraudTips@fultoncountyga.gov.
🔜 What’s Next?: The investigation continues as the DA’s office gathers more evidence. Williams’ public defenders have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.

Thom Chandler
Thom Chandler is the editor of The Georgia Sun and has been writing, editing and managing websites and blogs since 1995. He is a lifelong Georgian and one of those increasingly rare Atlanta natives.