State Auditor Shadrack White issued the following statement.
Today State Auditor Shad White announced that Luther Russell, former Laurel Public Works Director, has pleaded guilty to one count of Embezzlement.
Russell instructed City of Laurel employees to load the city’s track hoe on the city’s Low-Boy trailer and transport them to his property. Russell then used the equipment to conduct work on his own personal property.
“My office has recovered more money in the last eight years than any other eight-year period in the history of the Auditor’s Office,” said State Auditor Shad White. “We will continue working with prosecutors to deliver record results for taxpayers.”
Luther was sentenced by the Jones County Circuit Court to five years house arrest, three years’ probation, and ordered to pay back $21,057 in restitution, $1,000 to the Public Defender Fund, $500 in fines, and $427.50 in court costs.
Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office at any time by clicking the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-(800) 321-1275 during normal business hours.
13 comments:
Why won’t he do the same for the illegal use and theft of county property by Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey?
Wow...he can't leave his crib for five years? Can he sit under the shade tree out front and grill?
Before the usual Shad haters respond, let me do it for them:
“But, but, but…he didn’t arrest Phil or the Leflore County BOS!” (Wringing hands, eyes tearing up, and voice breaking)
Need to bust a certain House representative using public money for a cringey “on the ground” PR stunt.
"Today State Auditor Shad White announced"...
So, is he back in Mississippi ? ... or is he still on a military assignment ?
He gave up his auditor position, is Shad going to enter the Gub's
race or not ?
Thank you, 6:26 for saying you are a Shad supporter without saying it!
8:26, I’m not a Shad supporter, I just don’t like whining.
Come to Covington County before and after an election, driveways will have fresh gravel up to their front doors.
Not saying the individual shouldn't be held accountable for using county equipment for personal use, but his actions equate to over $21,000 in restitution and fines?
8:58 AM, that's what I'm saying, $21K for personal use of city equipment? Plus five years house arrest? This feels excessive, unless there's more to the story that he didn't mention.
Still amazed there hasn't been anything right here in Hinds County. Knowing full well half of these "officials" are dirtier than sewer mud.
Mr Russell must have made one of the employees mad and they snitched on him. But what Mr Russell must understand his actions are unlawful.
Mr Russell ask the Judge to let you cross over the County Line to work in Covington County they turn a blind eye to those little Crimes.
When we he take a look at the mismanagement and funneling of grant funds by DMH to their friends and family members?!
Post a Comment