Mississippi woman pleads guilty to fraud and bribery related to COVID-19 funds

Verneshia Cody, owner of TDK Accounting and Tax Services in Jackson, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and bribery, according to State Auditor Shad White.

Cody admitted to submitting fraudulent documents to the Mississippi Department of Health to secure funds through the Mississippi COVID-19 Health Disparities Elimination Project. Prosecutors said she used fake invoices, improper expense claims, and counterfeit checks to improperly obtain grant money.

Authorities allege Cody withdrew and spent the funds for personal use. She was sentenced by the Madison County Circuit Court to 10 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with two years to serve day for day and five years of supervised probation.

White credited investigators and prosecutors for their work and noted that his office has recovered more money in the past seven years than in any other seven-year period. The auditor’s office encourages the public to report suspected fraud through its website or by calling 1-800-321-1275 during business hours.

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