TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY, Miss. — Two Tallahatchie County Road Department employees have been arrested on allegations they used county equipment, materials and labor for personal benefit, State Auditor Shad White said.
Special agents with the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor arrested Willie Garner and Willie Williams, according to the auditor’s office. The office says the two are accused of using county dump trucks and county labor to deliver dirt to Garner’s home.
“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,” White said in a statement.
If convicted, both men could face up to $10,000 in fines and as many as 15 years in prison, the auditor’s office said. The office added that all people arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor investigates alleged misuse of public funds and provides ways for the public to report suspected fraud. Suspected fraud can be reported through the auditor’s website or by calling 1-800-321-1275 during normal business hours. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
