JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced that more than $29,000 has been recovered and returned to the City of Mendenhall following the investigation into former Mendenhall Police Chief Bruce Barlow.

Pickering presented a check for $29,432.13 to Mendenhall Mayor Steve Womack today.

“Individuals in a position of trust who use their power to embezzle and extort from the public will not be tolerated,” Auditor Pickering said. “The fact that Mr. Barlow was the police chief who was sworn to enforce the law and serve and protect the citizens makes this case even more egregious.

“This investigation is another example of cooperation among multiple agencies including the State Auditor’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District, and the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office.”

Earlier this year, Barlow pled guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion, bribery, and theft and was sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Barlow used his position as police chief to force individuals to surrender their money and property to him.

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