JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced that Latricia Cornelson, 48, former Chancery Clerk for Greene County, pled guilty to two counts of embezzlement for conduct which occurred during her time as Greene County Chancery Clerk in 2005-2007.

She was sentenced on the two counts to ten years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, suspended, with four years of probation, court costs, total fine in the amount of $2000 and restitution in the amount of $6000. Further, she agreed to never work in city, county or state government in the future.

Tony Lawrence stated, “This has been a long term investigation that will not end with this plea today. My office is committed to continue to investigate any allegations of public corruption.  This is another step in ensuring that government works for the people and does not steal from the people.”

“I am pleased with the sentence handed down to Latricia Cornelson by the Circuit Court,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “This case should serve as a reminder to public employees that my office will investigate and assist in the prosecution of any individual who betrays the public trust.  I appreciate the efforts of District Attorney Tony Lawrence in the prosecution of this case.”

Special agents with the State Auditor’s Office determined the embezzlement occurred by Cornelson submitting fraudulent statements and making false representations to Greene County.

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