JACKSON, Miss. — State Auditor Shad White announced Wednesday that his office has arrested Richard Creel, a former Jones County Road Foreman, and contractor Tommie Landrum on charges of embezzling county property.
Special agents allege that Creel and Landrum stole county-owned culverts and transported them to a location provided by Landrum. Authorities also accuse Creel of attempting to provide false information to hinder the investigation and of embezzling fuel for personal use.
“The dedicated team at the State Auditor’s Office works tirelessly to uncover schemes like this,” White said. “We will continue to work closely with prosecutors to hold accountable those who steal taxpayer money.”
District Attorney Brad Thompson praised the effort, saying, “My office appreciates the detailed work by the Auditor and his staff. We will vigorously prosecute this case to protect taxpayers’ money.”
Creel faces up to $15,000 in fines and 40 years in prison, while Landrum could face up to $6,000 in fines and 25 years behind bars. All arrests by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are preliminary, and suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Authorities encourage the public to report suspected fraud by clicking the red button on the auditor’s website or calling 1-800-321-1275 during business hours.
