JACKSON – State Auditor Stacey Pickering said a man and his wife were arrested after charging the Rankin County School District for lawn services and products they did not provide. Clinton residents Malcolm Anthony Sanders and his wife, Dolister, were arrested on April 11 and charged with fraudulent statements and representations; conspiracy to defraud, tampering with physical evidence and wire fraud.
Bond for 43-year old Malcolm and Dolister, 40, was set at $50,000 each. They bonded out on April 14.
Pickering said the couple, operating under Sanders Lawn Service, have had a service contract with the Rankin County School District (RCSD) since July 2005.
Pickering said Sanders Lawn Service was allegedly not performing the work or providing the purchased product as detailed in the contract with RCSD or on invoices to RCSD.
“Our investigation uncovered invoices from Sanders Lawn Service for $80,260.30 for pine straw purchased that was never provided to Rankin County School District,” said Pickering. “Sanders Lawn Service created documents that concealed the fact the pine straw was not provided to Rankin County School District as reflected on the invoices submitted for payment.”
Pickering said additional arrests are expected during this ongoing investigation.
“I appreciate the work of District Attorney Michael Guest in bringing this case before the Grand Jury,” said Pickering. “School districts across the state are finding more ways to save money in order to provide the best classroom experience for our children and ensure that the children are the top priority. An individual looking for an opportunity to steal from our students and teachers is unacceptable, and as State Auditor, I will hold these individuals accountable.”
The Clinton Police Department and Jackson Police Department assisted special agents with the state auditor’s office in these arrests.
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