Former Prentiss city clerk arrested for embezzling more than $460,000
JACKSON, Miss. — State Auditor Shad White announced that special agents arrested Dana Jones, the former Prentiss city clerk, on charges of embezzling public funds from the city.
Jones allegedly stole $469,031 during her tenure by adding unauthorized paychecks and overtime payments to her salary. She also reportedly used city funds to pay credit card debts she owed and drafted checks payable to herself, which she deposited into her personal bank account, according to the auditor’s office.
“Every dollar stolen from taxpayers is a dollar that could have gone to paving roads, paying our teachers and cops more, or to tax cuts,” White said. “We will continue to do everything in our power to recover misspent money for taxpayers.”
If convicted, Jones faces up to $175,000 in fines and 205 years in prison. The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor emphasized that all persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The auditor’s office encourages the public to report suspected fraud by visiting their website or calling 1-800-321-1275 during normal business hours.
Source: Original Article
