Mississippi News

Woman accused of fraudulent unemployment benefits pleads guilty

Dec. 12, 2024-State Auditor Shad White announced that Sharccara McNair, a former Hattiesburg business owner, has pleaded guilty to one count of Fraud in Connection with a State-Funded Benefit Program.

McNair submitted fraudulent certifications to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) so she could receive unemployment benefits while employed as a tax preparer.

“Thank you to the staff of the Department of Employment Security for alerting us to this scheme and to the investigators and prosecutors for helping bring this case to a close,” said State Auditor Shad White.

McNair was prosecuted in the 12th District Circuit Court. She was sentenced to three years in the custody of MDOC, suspended, with one year of unsupervised probation, and has been ordered to pay $15,604 in restitution, $1,000 in fines, and $200 to the victims’ compensation fund.

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.

Shacarra McNair