JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced today that Odessa Johnson, former city clerk for Sardis, has been indicted and arrested for embezzlement.

Johnson was employed with the City of Sardis from September 2001 through June 4, 2009. The arrest took place on February 4, 2010 following the return of the indictment by the Panola County Grand Jury.

“Following our investigation, special agents with the State Auditor’s Office determined that the alleged embezzlement took place from January 2006 through April 2009,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “The indictment indicates that Odessa Johnson embezzled $28,033.95. Our agents determined the embezzlement occurred by taking funds from water collections, court collections, property tax collections, payments for the marina lease, payments for dispatch services and by using the City of Sardis’ credit card for personal use.”

Since taking office in January 2008, the State Auditor’s Office has investigated and received returned indictments on 58 individuals for embezzlement, misappropriation, misuse of public funds or other related charges. An additional 40 individuals have pled or been found guilty for related charges. On average, those found guilty following an investigation by the State Auditor’s Office serve 8.6 years in jail or on probation. Over $3.5 million has been recovered as a result of these investigations, the largest amount of recovered funds in a 26 month period.

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Attached: Odessa Johnson