News Briefs From Across The State
By Monica Land
Former city clerk took money from daily deposits
State Auditor Stacey Pickering presented a check for $19,416.10 to officials with the City of Vicksburg. This recovery follows an investigation into embezzlement of public funds by former Assistant City Clerk, Katrina McCloud. The amount recovered includes $18,842.53 in total funds embezzled and $573.57 in interest expense.
“In light of the recent headlines in Warren County, I am pleased that the Office of the State Auditor can provide some positive news to the City of Vicksburg,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “The money returned…should restore funds that the City can use for the betterment of its future.”
McCloud embezzled funds from the City of Vicksburg by removing cash from the daily batch deposits and replacing it with checks receipted in past and future batches. She resigned her position as assistant city clerk on July 30, 2010.
Former bank teller pleads guilty to embezzlement
A former bank teller pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling money from a federally insured bank. Heather Brewer, 30, of Ridgeland will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III on June 27, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.
She faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Brewer admitted that, from December 2010 through June 2012, while working as a bank teller for BankPlus in Ridgeland, she embezzled approximately $59,470 from her teller drawer, another teller drawer, and from the ATM that she was responsible for balancing and replenishing with cash.
Ex-police officer acquitted of bribery
Former Jackson police Sgt. Richard McGahey has been acquitted of charges that he allegedly accepted a $250 bribe to help secure a field release for a suspect.
A Hinds County jury returned the verdict Friday. McGahey had been arrested last September.
McGahey testified that the money a FBI informant gave him was repayment of a loan, not a bribe. He testified he often loaned money to the man, who had worked as an informant over the years.
McGahey said that he often performed field releases for those with warrants, due to jail overcrowding.
McGahey was a 20-year veteran of the Jackson Police Department.
The FBI’s informant testified he had a long business relationship with McGahey.
Canton mayor admits mistake
Canton Mayor William Truly says he erred in using city letterhead stationery to announce his re-election campaign.
Truly tells The Clarion-Ledger that he didn’t know it was against the law.
Deputy State Auditor Pat Dendy says no city supplies can be used in political campaigns.
Listed behind the city’s identifying logo with the “one people, one voice, one goal” motto underneath and Truly’s name as mayor to the left and the aldermen’s names to the right, the press release has
the headline “Mayor
William Truly Announces His Candidacy for 2013.”
Photocopies of the announcement were distributed in early March.
Truly is one of four Democrats in the mayoral race. Two Republicans are also running. The party primaries are May 7. The general election is June 4.
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