State Auditor Shad White has announced that Farmington City Clerk Debora Jackson has surrendered herself to special agents from his office.
Jackson is charged with embezzlement and false entries. Authorities have accused her of turning in fraudulent time cards, using sick/vacation leave that she did not have, and calculating overtime that was not in accordance with the Federal Labor Standards Act.
“We will continue to work with prosecutors on cases big and small to get results for the taxpayer,” said White. “Thank you to our investigators who uncovered this scheme and the prosecutors who sought charges based on our information.”
Jackson was served with a $36,183.30 demand letter at the time of her surrender. The demand amount includes interest and investigative expenses. Alcorn County District Attorney John Weddle’s office will prosecute the case.
Jackson faces 30 years and over $50,000 in fines if convicted on all counts. All persons arrested by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
A $50,000 surety bond covers Jackson’s employment as the Farmington City Clerk. Surety bonds are similar to insurance designed to protect taxpayers from corruption. Jackson will remain liable for the full amount of the demand in addition to criminal proceedings.
Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office online at any time by clicking the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours.
