Jackson Jambalaya

Looks like State Representative Bob Evans (D-who cares) is trying to protect some embezzling clients of his. Oops, I meant clients of his accused of embezzlement. SB #2625 passed the Senate only to be held up in the House. A big deal since today is deadline day and Mr. Evans began his hold this morning. The bill keeps embezzlers from holding public office again. The bill states:

"From and after July 1, 2013, the state and any county, municipality or any other political subdivision may not employ a person who has been convicted or pled guilty in any court of this state, another state, or in federal court of any felony in which public funds were unlawfully taken, obtained or misappropriated in the abuse or misuse of the person's office or employment or money coming into the person's hands by virtue of the person's office or employment.

Seems pretty simple, doesn't it? Just one problem. A Rankin County grand jury indicted Bassfield employees Brenda Saulters and Billy Matthews last fall. Supertalk Mississippi reported:

"Boats, trailers, heavy equipment-over $300,000 worth of king-sized surplus property bought by Brenda Saulters and Billy Matthews (below), who were Bassfield city employees. The problem, a property probe by State Auditor Stacey Pickering and crew uncovered that the two had bought the goods under the Surplus Property Program. That allows governments to buy things at a low cost.

The problem-it was a setup, says Pickering. His crew believes Saulters and Matthews never meant to purchase the boats, the trailers or the heavy equipment for the city. He says they converted it to their own use. They were able to get the $300,000 worth of equipment for only about $52,000.

Charges against the two include false pretense, embezzelment and conspiracy. They turned themselves in Tuesday to Rankin County deputies after being indicted. Their court appearance is expected Friday morning.

"Following our investigation, our office turned over our case to the Rankin County District Attorney for prosecution, and I appreciate DA Michael Guest's efforts in returning these multiple count indictments" said Pickering. "Our agents, along with the staff of Surplus Property and the City of Bassfield, were able to recover 22 items from the individuals who were using them for personal use and return to the State of Mississippi."

The pair are represented by Representative Evans. Mr. Evans stalled the bill by raising a point of order this morning. A point of order is a procedural objection. It may be used if someone thinks the rules have not been followed and is a commonly-used stalling tactic. The website for the legislature states "Set Aside-Pend Ruling of Chair". The problem is since it is deadline day, there are quite a few issues for the leadership to handle.

Thus is appears embezzlers and thieves might be able to hold public office again thanks to Mr. Bob Evans.  Of course there is that little section of law that says something about legislators using their positions to enrich or help themselves. But this is Mississippi.