TDK Accounting and Tax Services owner pleads guilty

JACKSON, Miss. (VDN) — State Auditor Shad White announced that Verneshia Cody, the owner and operator of TDK Accounting and Tax Services, has pleaded guilty to one count of Fraud and one count of Bribery of a Public Official.

Cody submitted fraudulent documents to the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) to obtain funds via the MS Covid-19 Health Disparities Elimination Project. Cody obtained grant funds improperly by use of fraudulent invoices, improper expense claims, and counterfeit checks. She then withdrew and spent the sub-grant funds for personal use.

“Thank you to the investigators who worked this case and the prosecutors who chose to bring charges,” said Auditor White. “Working with prosecutors, my office has recovered more money in the last seven years than any other seven-year period and we’ve done this by staying true to our promise: zero tolerance for theft of taxpayer money.”

Cody was sentenced by the Madison County Circuit Court to 10 years in MDOC custody, 2 years to serve day for day, and 5 years of supervised probation.

Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s Office at any time by clicking the red button on the Auditor’s website or calling 1-(800) 321-1275 during normal business hours.