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Former Laurel Public Works Director pleads guilty to embezzlement
State Auditor Shad White announced that Luther Russell, former Laurel Public Works Director, has pleaded guilty to one count of Embezzlement.
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Former Laurel Public Works Director pleads guilty to embezzlement. VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) 4State Auditor Shad White announced that Luther Russell, former Laurel Public Works Director, has pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement.
Details of the Embezzlement Case
Russell instructed City of Laurel employees to load the city’s track hoe on the city’s Low-Boy trailer and transport them to his property. Russell then used the equipment to conduct work on his own personal property.
State Auditor’s Office Achievements
My office has recovered more money in the last eight years than any other eight-year period in the history of the Auditor’s Office, said State Auditor Shad White. We will continue working with prosecutors to deliver record results for taxpayers.
Luther was sentenced by the Jones County Circuit Court to five years house arrest, three years probation, and ordered to pay back $21,057 in restitution, $1,000 to the Public Defender Fund, $500 in fines, and $427.50 in court costs.
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.
