JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced today that Quitman County Tax Assessor Kimberly Bell has been indicted on four counts of embezzlement and one count of fraud.

Bell was processed and booked by OSA Special Agents and Deputies at the Quitman County Sheriff’s Office yesterday afternoon.

Bell is accused of misusing over $56,000 in taxpayer funds over a one-year period from October 2012 through September 2013.

Bell spent approximately $52,099.76 using a Quitman County travel credit card on expenses that were not approved by the Board of Supervisors, including cash advances totaling $8,179.00. She also used the Tax Assessor’s bank account to write unallowable checks, totaling $4,840.70.

“Ms. Bell is an elected official who abused her position for her own personal gain,” State Auditor Stacey Pickering said. “I thank the District Attorney’s Office for their efforts and our Special Agents for their work on this case as we continue to protect the taxpayers of Mississippi.”

Bell was elected Tax Assessor in November 2011 and took office in January 2012. Prior to her election, Bell had worked in the Chancery Clerk’s office since 2001.

###