HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) – The Latest on the trial of a Hattiesburg minister accused of skimming money from a federal housing program (all times local):
6:30 p.m.
A jury has convicted a Hattiesburg pastor of conspiracy and theft in a case involving skimmed money from a federal housing program.
The verdict came after about six hours of deliberation by jurors Monday, WDAM-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2cExmkH ).
Fairley, a political ally of Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree, was convicted of one count of conspiracy and two counts of theft involving $98,000 in housing money administered by the City of Hattiesburg. Prosecutors said Fairley pocketed more than $60,000.
The leader of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Fairley was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals after the verdict and will be sentenced Nov. 21. He faces up to 25 years in prison.
Developer Artie Fletcher of Picayune was indicted with Fairley, but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of failing to report a felony.
12:30 p.m.
The case against the Rev. Kenneth Fairley, the Hattiesburg pastor accused of skimming money from a federal housing program, is now in the hands of jurors.
The prosecution and defense completed closing arguments Monday in federal court, with WDAM-TV (http://bit.ly/2cTUjT3) reporting jurors received the case before 11 a.m.
Fairley, a political ally of Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree, faces one count of conspiracy and two counts of theft involving $98,000 in housing money administered by the City of Hattiesburg. Prosecutors charge Fairley pocketed more than $60,000.
The leader of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Fairley denies guilt. His attorneys acknowledge sloppy bookkeeping, but say he had no criminal intent.
Developer Artie Fletcher of Picayune was indicted with Fairley, but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of failing to report a felony.
Be the first to comment