Thursday, August 24, 2017

Former DJP Secretary indicted for embezzlement

A Madison County grand jury indicted Linda Brune for embezzlement from her former employer, Downtown Jackson Partners. Ms. Brune was the secretary for Executive Director Ben Allen. The five-count indictment accuses her of forging signatures on several checks that she made payable to herself out of the Downtown Jackson Partners account at Trustmark Bank.  The indictment accuses her of the following forgeries:
*2010 check for $1,250
*2010 check for $1,000
*2010 check for $1,700
*2013 check for $1,050
*2014 check for $1,206

She deposited these checks at State Bank and Trust in Ridgeland.  Ms. Brune is a Ridgeland resident as well.

Linda Brune is a "whistleblower" who gave star reporter Jerry Mitchell the scoop in his investigative story on the spending of Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen.  She provided several boxes of DJP documents to the State Auditor and Mr. Mitchell in 2014 while she was employed as a secretary by DJP.  Mr. Allen was convicted of one count of embezzlement in February in Hinds County but Judge Winston Kidd did not sentence him to serve any time in prison. The jury acquitted Mr. Allen of nine more counts of embezzlement.



Downtown Jackson Partners attempted to prosecute her for the alleged embezzlement in Hinds County.  However, Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith refused to prosecute her and instead prosecuted Mr. Allen.  Mr. Allen was  convicted of one count of embezzlement earlier this year.  Judge Winston Kidd sentenced him to serve five years in prison but suspended the sentence and placed him on probation for two years.

 Downtown Jackson Partners sued Linda Brune on December 10, 2014 in Madison County Court for allegedly embezzling $40,439.  The lawsuit also states she was "terminated on July 25, 2014 for sharing confidential corporate information with a reporter from the Clarion-Ledger."   Ms. Brune is a resident of Madison County.

The complaint states that Ms. Brune worked as DJP's administrative assistant for several years prior to her termination.  She was allowed to "fill out" checks but did not have signature authority.  DJP alleges that she "embezzled 38 check instruments representing a total sum of $40,439" by making checks payable to herself and "forging Mr. Allen's signature on each of the checks." She would then allegedly alter the payee's name on the bank statements by "whiting out" (no racism intended)  her name and replacing it with the name of a vendor. She would then allegedly copy the altered statement so evidence of the whiteout would not appear.  The complaint charges her with several counts of fraud, conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, and unjust enrichment.  DJP asked for damages and attorney's fees.  Attorney Sam Begley represents DJP.  A trial is set for later this month but it Ms. Brune asked for a continuance.  The two sides are currently sparring over discovery and summary judgment motions. Earlier post on civil lawsuit. 

Kingfish note: It should be pointed out that the Clarion-Ledger has  not published one letter of newsprint about the DJP lawsuit filed against Ms. Brune although it did publish her allegations against Mr. Allen at the top of the front page of the Sunday edition.   Then there is this shameful little stunt it pulled earlier this year.   


33 comments:

Anonymous said...

Let me see if I get this right. She is stealing money from DJP and goes to the state auditor to investigate and audit DJP? then the "duly elected Hinds County DA" does not indict her for the same things the Madison County DA indicts her for? This should be under one of your "You can't make this up" headlines.

Anonymous said...

DJP should be shut down right not.

Anonymous said...

the worst wounds are self inflicted wounds---

Kingfish said...

Blame Melissa Patterson for some of this.

Anonymous said...

"Right not", 10:33?
Why should it be shut down? What does DJP have to do with you? It has been a good resource for the Downtown business I work for. I imagine that you do not live or work in Jackson.
I am happy for this outcome, though I feel somewhat sorry for Linda, in spite of the unnecessary anguish she has caused DJP and Mr. Allen.

Anonymous said...

They are suing her for over $40,000. Why is the indictment for $6206?

Anonymous said...

Let me see if I understand right.
She wasn't fired for embezzling money but was fired for showing a reporter what DJP was doing.
Something smells.

Anonymous said...


I agree with 10:33 but for some reason the property owners who fund DJP can not get a grip on the fact that Ben Allen is not the right guy to head up the organization. I don't know or do I care if Ben is guilty or not, he has placed a Black Eye on DJP and it will continue until he is gone.

Get rid of everyone there, start over with people who have knowledge and experience on revitalizing a city---this needs to be done ASAP before it is to late. Ben and the board have used this organization for personal gain. WAKE UP PEOPLE !!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Who hired Brune into DJP?

Anonymous said...

Who is Melissa Patterson and what does she have to do with this?

Anonymous said...

Over/under bet on when Sam Hall and the CL decide to report this, while acknowledging "Ace Investigative Reporter" Jerry Mitchell's utter failure in his previous reporting.

Whatever the line, I'm taking the over - ain't about to happen in this lifetime.

Anonymous said...

!!!!!!!!!!!!! is back. Must be out of jail already.

Anonymous said...

Wake up 2:08! 96% of the property owners voted to re authorize DJP for the next 10 years with Allen as the head. Sounds to me like they like his leadership just fine.

Ben's Da Man... said...

Whatta you expect? He orders the coolest take-out sandwich boxes in the metro for all those noon gatherings. Pickles and cookies too.

Anonymous said...


5:01, 4:45 & 6:28,

It was a great snow job---those same owners are suffering with a high vacancy rate and several buildings (Heritage, Plaza and others) have been foreclosed on in the last few years. Every block of East Capitol Street needs refurbishing. Go look at the 400 block if you want a perfect example. You people must be dumb as a stick or ken to Ben to say what a good leader he is. Proof is in the pudding. Great downtown buildings have sold for as little as $5.00 to $20.00 per square foot.

If you had a clue who I am you would know that I know what I'm talking about.

BEN'S GOT TO GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

So the dire situation downtown is specifically Allen's fault?

Tell us Einstein what you would do differently.

Anonymous said...

I'm 6:28. If you think my post is one of support for Ben Allen, you're even dumber than you sound.

Your Post: "If you had a clue who I am you would know that I know what I'm talking about."

Anonymous said...


TO: 8:43

The first thing I would do is fire Ben Allen !

Regards,
Einstein

Anonymous said...

And that would improve thing how, specifically?

Anonymous said...

History/Mississippi Supreme Court will declare that Melissa Patterson was right and all you Ben-lovers don't have a clue about what is legal and what is not

Anonymous said...

10:43, it would remove a convicted criminal from the position.

Anonymous said...

@11:48 - that doesn't answer the question. You don't have an answer, just as I suspected.

Anonymous said...

12:24, many people do not really want an ex-con in that position. Especially one who became a criminal from stealing from the same business.

Anonymous said...

Why remove him from the job? I have an answer. Cause he ain't done shit in ten years to improve the downtown area and that is the meat of his job description. How many high dollar annual salaries for Benjamin will this bunch of Yahoos pour down the drain in the name of hope?

PS: I hope his son will eventually quit posting in his defense.

Anonymous said...

Well run organizations do not let people steal money from it.

NOT Son of Ben said...

Cause he ain't done shit in ten years to improve the downtown area and that is the meat of his job description.

What should he have done that he didn't do? Don't be a wimp. Tell us specifically what he should have done differently.

Anonymous said...

In 10 years, Jackson will hit rock bottom! That's when gentrification will occur in the city. Let Bozos like Ben Allen and Lumumba continue to run the clown show. Downtown and west Jackson are already ripe for urban renewal (cheap real estate, low property values, underperforming school district, too many poor & low income residents, more renters than homeowners, an inefficient public transportation system, crumbling infrastructure, high unemployment and poverty rates, aging housing stock, and crime). The best thing current downtown property owners can do is dispose of their property, sell to out-of-state investors and developers. Like Jacksonians, Mississippians don't have any damn money for economic or urban development! Those authority boards are ineffective and useless!

#Welfare City, Welfare State

Anonymous said...

Don't sweat it 8:43. The old woman is facing 10. Period. She will have plenty of time to vent then, like she has been doing all day here.

Anonymous said...

The old bitch needs to room with Bernie 10 = LIFE.

Anonymous said...

Is she, the thief, like 73 or 74 ?? Good Lord. Is she really that stupid?

Berger For The Prosecution.. said...

When Ben is on the stand, will the judge allow him to be referred to as 'anonymous'?

Anonymous said...

10:14 SHE hasn't been convicted of anything. HE is the convicted felon. How silly of you to pass judgment before she is found guilty of anything. As for that indictment, HE has frequently stated "you can indict a ham sandwich and a six pack." Now stop snorting that stuff and get back in your trance.

Anonymous said...

We already know Ben is a thief. He was found guilty of it.
We do not know if the woman is.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.