JACKSON, Miss. — State Auditor Shad White issued a statement on the outcome of the DiBiase trial, saying he was disappointed and urging state lawyers to pursue civil recovery of misspent funds so taxpayers see accountability.
“While I’m disappointed in the result of the trial, nothing changes the fact that seven people have already pleaded guilty to state or federal charges because of the welfare scandal,” White said in the statement. “My hope now is that the state’s lawyers will be able to recover as much of the misspent money as possible in civil court so hard-working taxpayers can see some accountability for what happened here.”
The state auditor’s office is responsible for auditing public funds and promoting financial accountability in state government. White’s call underscores the role of civil litigation to recoup public money after criminal prosecutions, a route often used when criminal verdicts or sentences do not fully address financial losses.
The welfare scandal referenced by White led to multiple criminal cases and guilty pleas, and the outcome of the DiBiase trial highlights continuing efforts to address alleged misspending. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
