Mississippi auditor’s office arrests former Columbus councilman and contractor in bid-rigging scheme

Jackson, Miss. — State Auditor Shad White announced Monday that special agents from his office have arrested former Columbus City Councilman Joseph Mickens Jr. and contractor Marcus Dawson. The arrests stem from allegations that the two conspired to rig a city flooring contract in exchange for future HVAC work for Dawson, according to a news release from the auditor’s office.

White said any elected official accused of exploiting taxpayers should be held accountable. “The hardworking men and women at the State Auditor’s Office will continue serving as a watchdog for taxpayers,” he said.

The allegations state Mickens and Dawson manipulated the bidding process approved by the Columbus City Council to ensure Mickens’ flooring company received the contract. They then allegedly misled city officials to believe Dawson’s company was completing the work. Dawson reportedly laundered payments from the city through his bank accounts before transferring money to Mickens.

If convicted, Mickens faces up to 30 years in prison and $505,000 in fines. Dawson faces up to 10 years and $10,000 in fines. The auditor’s office emphasized that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The office also encouraged the public to report suspected fraud by clicking a designated button on its website or calling 1-800-321-1275 during business hours.

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