Auditor’s office arrests former Columbus City Councilman and contractor

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — State Auditor Shad White announced that Special Agents from his office have arrested Joseph Mickens Jr., former Columbus City Councilman, and Marcus Dawson, private contractor, for allegedly rigging the bid process to secure flooring contracts for Mickens in exchange for future city-awarded HVAC contracts for Dawson.

“Any elected official fleecing taxpayers for their own benefit should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said State Auditor Shad White. “The hardworking men and women at the State Auditor’s Office will continue serving as a watchdog for taxpayers.”

Mickens and Dawson allegedly rigged the bid for a flooring job approved by the Columbus City Council to ensure Mickens’ flooring company could win the job and receive payment. The two then allegedly lead city officials to believe Dawson’s company was completing the flooring job instead. Dawson then allegedly laundered payments from the city through his official bank accounts before transferring the money to Mickens.

Mickens faces up to 30 years in prison and $505,000 in fines if convicted. Dawson faces up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines if convicted. All persons arrested by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office at any time by clicking the red button atwww.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-(800) 321-1275 during normal business hours.