JACKSON, Miss. — State Auditor Shad White announced Monday that his office has arrested Richard Creel, the former Jones County Beat 4 Road Foreman, and contractor Tommie Landrum on charges of embezzling county property.
The Special Agents allege Creel and Landrum stole county-owned culverts and transported them to a location designated by Landrum. Creel also reportedly tried to have witnesses provide false information to hinder the investigation. Additionally, Creel is accused of embezzling fuel from Jones County for personal use.
“Our team works tirelessly to uncover schemes like this,” White said. “We will continue to work with prosecutors to hold accountable those who steal taxpayer money.”
Jones County District Attorney Brad Thompson praised the effort. “My office appreciates the detailed work by the Auditor’s Office. We will vigorously prosecute this case to protect taxpayers’ funds,” he said.
Creel faces up to $15,000 in fines and 40 years in prison. Landrum faces up to $6,000 in fines and 25 years behind bars. All arrests are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s Office via the website or by calling 1-800-321-1275 during business hours, officials said.
