Thursday, October 14, 2021

Former Vol Fire Dept Chief Arrested for Embezzlement

  State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement.

Today State Auditor Shad White announced former Red Banks Volunteer Fire Department (RBVFD) Chief Mark Hanna and Linda Mannon, a former RBVFD secretary, have been arrested in Marshall County after they were both indicted for embezzlement. Special Agents presented both Hanna and Mannon with separate demand letters totaling over $50,000 – including interest and investigative expenses.

Hanna is accused of using fire department funds to purchase farm and lawn equipment for his own personal use. He also allegedly used public money to make a payment on his house. A demand letter for $3,459.15 was presented to Hanna at the time of his arrest.

Mannon allegedly issued herself over 100 different RBVFD checks – totaling over $30,000 – while she was working as a secretary for the fire department. A $47,229.12 demand letter was presented to her upon arrest.

The Auditor’s office began investigating these cases when local officials in Marshall County noticed accounting discrepancies at the fire department and filed a complaint. The embezzlement lasted from October 2015 to February 2019.

“Whether the dollar amount is large or small, we will continue to take a zero-tolerance policy for embezzlement or misspending of public funds in Mississippi,” said Auditor White.

Both Hanna and Mannon surrendered themselves at the Marshall County Sheriff’s office today. Bail will be set by the court.

Both individuals will face up to 20 years in prison and $5,000 in fines if convicted. All persons arrested by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The cases will be prosecuted by District Attorney Ben Creekmore’s office.

A third demand letter was issued to Odis Pruitt, a former RBVFD board member. This demand is meant to recover public money spent in error. The demand letter issued to Pruitt is not accompanied by criminal allegations.

No surety bond covers Hanna, Mannon, or Pruitt. Surety bonds are similar to insurance designed to protect taxpayers in the event that public money is stolen or misspent. Both Hanna and Mannon will also remain liable for the criminal charges levied against them.

Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office online any time by clicking the red “Report Fraud” button at www.osa.ms.gov or via telephone during normal business hours by calling 1-(800)-321-1275.

 

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great. Still low hanging fruit and white. Is Shad afraid to go after these local officials who are clearly stealing ?

Anonymous said...

Why not accept a promissory note like the football player gave?

Anonymous said...

Why not a promissory note like others.

Anonymous said...

@4:17: Why don't you give Shad the names of the local officials who are "clearly stealing?"

Anonymous said...

That low hanging fruit is more ripe and juicy. Easily falls off the tree. Don't have to put in much work to get to it, or risk pissing off the ones that really control this state and got Shad into his position.

cleanin house means hauling out all the trash said...

Was Deppity Feel the whistleblower again?

Anonymous said...

It is important to catch anybody who is legitimately misusing public funds. However, Shad should save his press releases for convictions and not use them for the initial charges.

Anonymous said...

financial crimes, evidence is clear. So many get into this mire and ruin their lives. Yes, my gut says some bigger fish need caught but they work much better schemes, need insiders to come forward.

Anonymous said...

"...However, Shad should save his press releases for convictions and not use them for the initial charges."

Why should he do that? Convictions take place in the courtroom. His job is not in the courtroom. His job is investigation and pressing charges (along with arrests).

Do you want to know how many persons were charged with DUI over the holiday weekend or how many were eventually convicted in court?

Do you want to know how many arrests were made by your municipal LEO over the weekend or how many convictions took place a year later?

You should think something through before you post an idea.

Anonymous said...

10:51, my post was based on the fact Shad's track record demonstrates he is much more concerned with press releases than the end result. I want to know what the ultimate result is more than I want to know what the allegation may be. Your comment makes it seem as though Shad is afraid he might not get credit if he waits till someone's guilt or innocence is actually determined. Surely that isn't what you intended, is it?

Anonymous said...

2:43 - Your posts, both of them, are nonsense. Let me say it once more...His job has nothing to do with convictions (the ultimate result, as you put it). Are you aware that it takes these cases months, sometimes a year or more, for these cases to come to trial? Track it on your own.


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