Former H.W. Byers Athletic Director Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement
Jackson, Miss. — State Auditor Shad White announced Thursday that Special Agents from his office have arrested former H.W. Byers Athletic Director Nick Coln on charges of embezzling funds from the school.
According to investigators, Coln allegedly received money through CashApp from student athletes who believed the payments were for athletic equipment purchases. Instead, authorities say, Coln converted those funds for his own personal use.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for theft of taxpayer money at the Auditor’s Office,” White said in a statement. “Thank you to our investigators who helped uncover this scheme.”
If convicted, Coln faces up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
The State Auditor’s Office reminds the public that all individuals arrested by the office are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone wishing to report suspected fraud or misuse of public funds can contact the Auditor’s Office by clicking the red reporting button on its website or by calling 1-800-321-1275 during business hours.
