JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering has recovered $66,104 on behalf of Tishomingo County after former Sheriff David Smith and former Chief Deputy Sheriff Rodney Pannell were issued a demand for $76,000 of missing equipment and missing funds.

The State Auditor’s Office received a complaint following a routine audit and conducted a thorough investigation which led to the demand. The investigation was opened in August 2002 and closed in 2008. The funds were recovered from Smith’s bond company and the Tishomingo Sheriff’s Department.

“I am pleased to return this money to the taxpayers of Tishomingo County,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. The State Auditor’s Office conducted a very thorough investigation which led to the recovery of these funds. As State Auditor, I will continue to hold elected officials and county employees to the highest standard of accountability and will continue to hold elected officials responsible for any misuse of taxpayer property and money.”

David Smith was appointed sheriff of Tishomingo County in 1994 and served as sheriff until 2004. Pannell served as the chief deputy sheriff under Smith until 2004.

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