JACKSON, Miss. – Today State Auditor Shad White announced that Special Agents from his office have arrested Candace Morris, a former Meridian Public School District employee, for allegedly embezzling funds that had been collected for the purpose of performing drug screening and new employee background checks for the district.
Morris was responsible for collecting these funds, primarily cash, and providing receipts to the individuals making those payments. Morris would then convert these funds to her own personal use.
“We will continue to hold the line when it comes to improper spending of taxpayer dollars,” said State Auditor Shad White. “The dedicated team at the State Auditor’s Office will continue to work closely with prosecutors to get record results for taxpayers.”
If convicted Morris faces up to $5,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison. 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 at www.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours.