Former Natchez city employee pleads guilty to embezzlement

JACKSON, Miss. — Rebekah Turner, a former accounts receivables clerk for the City of Natchez, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement, the State Auditor’s Office announced Wednesday.

Turner took cash from deposits made to her office by other city departments and converted the money for her personal use, officials said. The plea was entered in 6th District Circuit Court.

She was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 19 years suspended, and was placed on five years of probation. Turner was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, along with court costs and fees, according to the auditor’s office.

“The State Auditor’s Office has a zero-tolerance policy for theft of taxpayer dollars,” said State Auditor Shad White. “We will continue to work with prosecutors across the state to deliver results for taxpayers.”

Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s Office through its website or by calling 1-800-321-1275 during normal business hours.

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