JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced today that former Mound Bayou Mayor Kennedy Johnson has been indicted on three counts of embezzlement by a Bolivar County Grand Jury.

Johnson, 51, was booked by Special Agents of the Office of the State Auditor and Bolivar County Sheriff Deputies, and issued a civil demand by OSA Agents in the amount of $17,345.83. The demand includes the amount allegedly embezzled, along with interest and cost of recovery.

Johnson is accused of embezzling funds and property from the City of Mound Bayou. Johnson is believed to have embezzled funds by purchasing televisions for his restaurant, J&W Smokehouse, and receiving undocumented expense reimbursements. He is also alleged to have embezzled property by removing two air conditioner compressor units and a three-compartment stainless steel sink from the Mound Bayou Head Start Center which was owned by the City of Mound Bayou and placing them at J&W Smokehouse.

“Public corruption hurts communities, ruins lives, and robs taxpayers,” Pickering said. “This case is yet another example of a public official whom we believe enriched himself while stealing from the taxpayers. I thank our Special Agents for their hard work on this investigation.”

Specially appointed Assistant Attorney General Marvin Sanders is handling the case on behalf of the state.

Johnson served as Mayor of Mound Bayou from 2001 through 2013.

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