2 city workers fired, charged with stealing water in Jackson; more under investigation

Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber
Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber
Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Officials say two Jackson Public Works Department employees have been arrested and charged with stealing water from the city.

Mayor Tony Yarber and Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance told media outlets Tuesday that Marcus Banks and Percy Watkins have been arrested and fired.

Yarber says 20 to 30 other city employees are under investigation and could be fired.

City spokeswoman Shelia Byrd says Banks is charged with felony embezzlement for “water theft” valued at $14,000 dating back to 2008. Watkins is charged with misdemeanor embezzlement. It isn’t clear whether either has an attorney.

Byrd says both men were employed in the Public Works Department.

Byrd says authorities have been looking into complaints from customers who have said city workers have taken money from them to keep their water on.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*