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Quitman County man accused of defrauding Rental Assistance Program

Photo: Vernell Survillion (Courtesy State Auditor’s Office)

Jan. 29, 2025-State Auditor Shad White announced that Special Agents from his office have arrested Vernell Survillion, an owner of multiple rental properties, for allegedly submitting fraudulent applications to the Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program (RAMP), a rental assistance program managed by Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC).

Survillion submitted RAMP applications on behalf of tenants renting properties owned by him. The applications contained fraudulent information, including forged signatures, inflated monthly rental amounts, inflated months delinquent, and incorrect occupant information. These actions caused MHC to make payments to Survillion totaling $16,050.00.

“As long as the legislature leaves us with the ability to audit, we will continue holding the line to make sure your tax dollars are spent properly,” said State Auditor Shad White.

If convicted Survillion faces up to $10,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison. All persons arrested by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bob Bakken

Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.