An analysis by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found the number of convictions in the federal Northern District of Georgia rose from just six in 2006 to 32 in both 2010 and 2011.
The region ranked 51st in the country in corruption convictions in 2006. Four years later, it ranked sixth out of 93 federal districts.
Law enforcement officials said the rising number of cases reflects an increased priority on prosecuting corrupt public officials, not necessarily an increase in corruption.
University of Illinois-Chicago professor Dick Simpson said federal convictions are the best available measure of corruption between regions. He said the rise of cases in metro Atlanta is "worrisome."
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