An unusual bribery attempt began not with cash, but with a bouquet of flowers.
According to authorities, Augusta resident Paul Martin Cohen, 40, attempted to influence a judge overseeing his tenant dispute case in November 2024 by trying to deliver flowers directly to the courtroom. Cohen, a defendant in a dispossession case, approached a Richmond Superior Court deputy near the courthouse on James Brown Boulevard and said he wanted to give the flowers to Judge Le’Joi Williamson.
The deputy offered to deliver the bouquet on Cohen’s behalf, but noted that Cohen seemed hesitant to hand it over. When asked about the purpose of the flowers, Cohen reportedly said his mother had taught him that “if one wanted something from someone, you bring them something.”
The flowers were taken to Judge Williamson, who appeared surprised and concerned by the unsolicited delivery. Inside the bouquet was a letter from Cohen stating he had paid overdue rent to his property manager and wanted the court’s help ensuring the matter was “resolved appropriately” to avoid eviction. The judge discarded both the flowers and the note.
More than a year later, on Nov. 25, 2025, Cohen was arrested on a bribery charge related to the incident.
A person convicted of the offense of bribery in Georgia shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than 20 years, or both.
