Auditor’s office arrests former Columbus councilman, contractor

JACKSON, Miss. — State Auditor Shad White announced that special agents from his office arrested Joseph Mickens Jr., a former Columbus city councilman, and Marcus Dawson, a private contractor, on allegations they rigged a city bidding process to secure flooring contracts for Mickens in exchange for future HVAC work for Dawson.

White said the two allegedly manipulated a bid for a flooring job approved by the Columbus City Council so Mickens’ flooring company would win and receive payment. Investigators allege Mickens and Dawson then led city officials to believe Dawson’s company was completing the work, and that Dawson laundered city payments through his bank accounts before transferring funds to Mickens.

Mickens faces up to 30 years in prison and $505,000 in fines if convicted, and Dawson faces up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines if convicted. “Any elected official fleecing taxpayers for their own benefit should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” White said. “The hardworking men and women at the State Auditor’s Office will continue serving as a watchdog for taxpayers.”

All persons arrested by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Suspected fraud can be reported on the auditor’s website by clicking the red button or by calling 1-(800) 321-1275 during normal business hours. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.