Former Horn Lake alderman indicted for unemployment compensation fraud
Photo: State Auditor Shad White announces charges against former Horn Lake alderman Charlie Roberts during a news conference outside the DeSoto County Administration Building. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Sep 11, 2024- Former Horn Lake alderman Charlie Roberts has been indicted on charges of unemployment compensation fraud. That’s according to DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton, who was joined by Mississippi State Auditor Shad White during a news conference Wednesday morning to make that announcement. Officials said White was in DeSoto County to hand the case over to Barton’s office. Roberts was arrested by officials with the State Auditor’s Office.
Allegedly, Roberts received unemployment benefits in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic while also being paid as an alderman. He failed to update and report the income when he was supposed to do so.
It has not been disclosed the amount of income Roberts is said to have received.
During the news conference, White said over $500 million in unemployment fraud was reported in Mississippi during the COVID-19 epidemic.
“The dedicated team at the Office of the State Auditor will continue to work hand in hand with prosecutors so we can continue delivering record results for taxpayers,” said State Auditor Shad White.
“This indictment and arrest highlight the commitment of the State Auditor and his office to holding public officials accountable,” said District Attorney Matthew Barton. “Stealing from the taxpayers is a serious crime, and we are dedicated to carrying this case across the finish line for the taxpayers of Mississippi.”
Roberts faces up to $10,000 in fines and 5 years in prison if convicted. All persons arrested by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Roberts is currently being held in the DeSoto County Adult Detention Center on a $7,500 bond and is charged with fraud, making false statements/representations. A court date of Oct. 31 is scheduled in his case.
Roberts served three terms as a Horn Lake alderman for Ward 4, losing a reelection bid to current alderman Dave Young in 2021.
He also challenged Jacob Hisaw for the Republican nomination for state Rep. District 40 held by Rep. Hester Jackson-McCray (D-Horn Lake). Hisaw won the nomination but would lose to Jackson-McCray in the general election.
