JACKSON, Miss. — State Auditor Shad White announced that special agents from his office have arrested two Tallahatchie County Road Department employees, Willie Garner and Willie Williams, on allegations they defrauded Tallahatchie County by using county equipment, materials and labor to deliver dirt to Garner’s home for his personal benefit.
White said the employees allegedly used county dump trucks and labor to carry out the deliveries. “The Auditor’s office has zero-tolerance for theft of taxpayer funds and we will continue to work closely with prosecutors to hold criminals accountable,” he said.
Garner and Williams face fines of up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in prison 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 office said.
The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor investigates alleged misuse of public funds and works with prosecutors to pursue criminal charges when warranted. Suspected fraud can be reported through the red button on the auditor’s website or by calling 1-800-321-1275 during normal business hours.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
