SOUTHEAST GREENE – A former office manager for the Southeast Greene Water Authority has been arrested on allegations that she embezzled money from the water authority for personal use, according to the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor.
State Auditor Shad White announced that special agents with his office arrested Deborah Harper, the former office manager, in connection with the case.
According to the auditor’s office, Harper allegedly took cash payments made through new customer water agreement forms and converted the money for her own personal use. Investigators also allege that she used payments made by other water customers to cover water bills for herself and her daughter.
“The dedicated team at the State Auditor’s Office will continue to work closely with prosecutors to get record results, one case at a time,” White said in a statement.
If convicted, Harper could face up to $25,000 in fines and up to 10 years in prison.
The auditor’s office noted that all persons arrested by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The office also encouraged the public to report suspected fraud through the auditor’s website or by calling 1-800-321-1275 during normal business hours.
