Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor announced the arrest of Luther Russell, the former Laurel Public Works Director, on charges related to misuse of city equipment and evidence tampering.
According to a news release, special agents from the auditor’s office arrested Russell after allegations he used city-owned heavy equipment to perform work on his personal property. The equipment was reportedly transported to his property using a city trailer.
The release states Russell also allegedly ordered employees to disable a GPS tracking device on a city vehicle to hide its movement. The vehicle was used to repair damage caused to a roadway outside his residence, which was damaged during the equipment’s transport.
Russell faces charges that could result in fines up to $8,000 and up to 30 years in prison. The auditor’s office emphasized that all individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The office encourages the public to report suspected fraud by visiting its website or calling 1-800-321-1275 during business hours.
