State Auditor Shad White has announced Jonathan Smith, a former employee of Jackson County, has been convicted of two counts of embezzlement. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Angel McIlrath’s office in the courtroom of Judge Kathy King Jackson.
Smith was arrested for embezzlement last year. He stole road maintenance equipment and two catalytic converters from Jackson County taxpayers. He was also issued a $3,549.79 demand letter. A majority of the equipment has already been recovered and returned to Jackson County.
“Thank you to the investigators and prosecutors in this case. We will continue to protect taxpayers against misuse of their property, big and small,” said White.
Jonathan Smith is now convicted of a felony offense and will not be able to handle public money again. Judge Jackson’s sentencing order has been filed with the Jackson County Circuit Clerk’s office for public inspection.
Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office online at any time by clicking the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours.
Bob Bakken is the most recognized and most trusted name in DeSoto County news and sports reporting, as readers continue to express their appreciation for his accuracy and fairness in the stories he writes. Bob is also heard on 95.3 The Rebel twice a week with sports updates and high school football play-by-play broadcasts in the fall. A former newspaper editor and writer, his award-winning background also includes television news producing, sports media relations, and radio broadcasting.
