Court dismisses contempt charge against Hattiesburg mayor

Johnny DuPree
Johnny DuPree
Johnny DuPree

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) — Ten months after a complaint was filed against Hattiesburg’s mayor, the court has purged the charge.

WDAM-TV reports Mayor Johnny DuPree was found in civil contempt of court in July for failing to nominate qualified city department heads in a timely manner. The complaint was originally filed by Hattiesburg City Council President Kim Bradley and Ward 3 Councilman Carter Carroll.

It took DuPree nearly half of this term to have all 17 appointments nominated and approved, with chief of police being the last position filled this summer.

Attorney Bob Gholson, who represented Bradley and Carroll, said the complaint was purged because DuPree finally fulfilled his duties.

DuPree had no comment Thursday.

Each party is responsible for their own attorney’s fees, and the mayor is responsible for court costs.