JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering filed a civil lawsuit and has served Robert Graham, a member of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors and former City of Jackson employee, with the necessary paperwork.

The State Auditor’s Office issued a demand against Graham on May 26, 2011 for wages he received from the City of Jackson while conducting dispatcher certification classes as well as other expenses. Graham has refused to repay $45,736.05. The civil lawsuit served on February 29 is an effort to recover these funds.

The certification courses were taught by Graham during regular work hours when Graham indicated on his City of Jackson timesheets that he had been at work. Attendees for the classes paid fees to a private company, Professional Dispatch Management, owned by Robert Graham, to earn certifications and re-certifications through the National Emergency Communications Institute. The actions took place from 2004 – 2007 when Graham was certified to teach for the National Emergency Communications Institute. NECI has since revoked his certification and no longer allows Graham to administer its programs.

“Our investigation began on this case in 2008 when our office received the first complaint,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering.  “The investigation indicated Graham’s time and expenses to recreate training material were paid by the City of Jackson when Graham was clearly not doing City business.  We work to recover misappropriated funds as quickly as possible and consider civil lawsuits a final tool to recover funds. It is sometimes necessary when individuals refuse to pay after being issued a demand.”

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