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Republican John Cristadoro Admits RICO Guilt, Refuses Resignation

Cobb County Democratic Committee | Published on 10/24/2025

After failing to hide his misdeeds from the public, Cobb Board of Education Vice-Chair John Cristadoro has admitted to misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and violating Georgia’s Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act in a settlement with Sagicor Life Insurance.

According to court documents obtained by the Cobb County Democratic Committee, Cristadoro’s marketing company had a $250,000 contract with Sagicor to advertise its insurance services. Instead, Cristadoro directed his company to use the money for operating expenses and credit card payments instead of marketing his client. He must now pay $225,000 to Sagicor, with the first $186,000 within 3 business days.

Based on the allegations and his attempt to hide the documents from the public, Cobb Dems called for Cristadoro’s resignation earlier this week. Instead, the freshman school board member doubled down, saying he was “proud” of his business and accused us of trying to tear the school district itself down by calling for his resignation.

“We are not amused by his cavalier attitude to this shocking revelation,” said Cobb Democrat Chair Essence Johnson. “Despite his insistence that this is a ‘private’ matter, the fact remains Mr. Cristadoro, a public servant, has admitted to civil RICO violations and every aspect of his dealings must now be scrutinized.”

“Where did the $10,000 come from that he loaned himself during his campaign? Where will he get nearly $225,000 in such short notice to pay off his debts? Will he try something similar with SPLOST monies in the future? It all must be asked, and rightly so. After all, as coaches often say, ‘Character is what you do when you think no one is watching.’”

The Cobb County Democratic Committee once again calls on John Cristadoro’s resignation, and calls on the community to join them. So far, the Cobb Republican Party has shrugged off the situation and the republicans on the school board majority who recruited Cristadoro seem content to look the other way in order to maintain their majority.

Contact your board representative and tell them this is not acceptable. Tell them John Cristadoro needs to resign immediately.