News Briefs From Around The State
Feds want Gulfport bar forfeited after owner tried to trade for cocaine
GULFPORT, Mississippi (AP) — Federal authorities in south Mississippi have filed court documents seeking the forfeiture of a Gulfport bar that investigators say a man tried to trade for a large quantity of cocaine.
The documents filed in U.S. District Court in Gulfport seek the forfeiture of the Eclipse Sports Bar, cars, cash and guns.
Victor Darnell Williams was charged in August with trying to trade the bar for 12 kilograms of cocaine. A judge ordered Williams held without bond pending the action of a grand jury.
A complaint filed in federal court said Williams met with a police informant several times from June through August in an attempt to by a large amount of cocaine for distribution.
The complaint, written by a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, said Williams claimed to own the Eclipse Sports Bar in Gulfport and that he and the informant agreed to a deal in which Williams would trade cocaine in exchange for the bar.
Williams was arrested when the two drove to a hotel for what Williams allegedly thought was at trip to pick up the drugs.
5 finalists set for state superintendent’s post
JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — The state Board of Education has cut the field of possible state superintendents to five.
The board made the cut in a closed session Wednesday. The state Department of Education said in a statement that the board reviewed 11 applicants suggested by search firm Ray and Associates, which the firm had narrowed down from 64.
Board member Hal Gage, who’s leading the search, says at least one of the finalists now lives in Mississippi.
Gage says the board isn’t releasing names of finalists. Members plan to interview the finalists on Sept. 24, with hopes of naming a new leader of the state Department of Education in October.
Interim Superintendent Lynn House has served since Tom Burnham resigned last year. She has said she isn’t a candidate for the permanent post.
4 former Bassfield officials charged in surplus property scheme
BRANDON, Mississippi (AP) — Four former officials in the city of Bassfield have been arrested for converting surplus property owned by the two to personal use.
State Auditor Stacey Pickering says the four were arrested Friday in Rankin County. Their bonds were set at $15,000 each.
Pickering says those arrested were former Mayor Jerry C. Holland, former fire chief Tommy Dewitt, ex-city maintenance supervisor Robert Mauldin and former deputy clerk Dianna Hutchison. Each has been charged with embezzlement and conspiracy to commit embezzlement.
Pickering says in a news release that authorities recovered 22 items and returned them to the state of Mississippi.
