JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced the arrests of Kenneth Lanier, 41 of Meridian, and Christopher Williams, 22 of Meridian, following indictments for embezzlement.

Lanier facilitated a conspiracy to embezzle funds from Lauderdale County through the unauthorized obtainment and use of county Fuelman cards. Total loss was $21,272.86 representing $15,241.67 in embezzled funds; $609.67 in interest; and $5,421.52 in investigative expenses. Lanier was employed by the Lauderdale County Road Department from July 20, 2006 through October 25, 2006.

The complaint was initially filed with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department and was later worked by the State Auditor’s Office. “We appreciate the assistance of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department in the initial investigation efforts and yesterday in serving the indictments,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “This was a great joint effort between the State Auditor’s Office and Lauderdale County.”

“The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department received a call from the Jackson Police Department that started the investigation into Lanier and Williams’ unauthorized use of County Fuelman cards,” said Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department. “We turned the investigation over to the State Auditor’s Office and appreciate the work of their investigators in bringing this case before the Grand Jury. We were happy to assist in this case.”

###