JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced today that Roger Liddell has entered a plea of guilty on the charge of embezzlement and has entered into a Pre-Trial Diversion Program.

As a result of this agreement, Liddell will serve three years on probation and following a successful completion, will have a non-adjudicated sentence resulting in no criminal record.

“While I am pleased Roger Liddell has taken responsibility for his actions against the school children in Washington County, I am equally displeased by the fact that in three years, Roger Liddell will have no criminal record,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “Public officials who betray our trust should not be given the opportunity to work again in government. This type of arrangement is why I will be asking the Legislature in 2013 to pass a law that requires all public employees and elected officials found guilty or who plead guilty to have a criminal record and be ineligible for state and local government jobs in the future.”

As a part of the plea arrangement, Liddell was also ordered to make restitution to the Hollandale School System for $26,232.69 beginning immediately. The State Auditor’s Office investigated the purchase of $73,032.88 in inventory including computers, televisions and video equipment. Following an investigation, it was determined Liddell purchased the equipment with school district funds but diverted the equipment for personal use.

All equipment purchased was seized by the State Auditor’s Office during the investigation and will be returned to Hollandale School System where appropriate items will be used by students or sold to recover funds embezzled by Liddell.

In 2011, Liddell ran for Superintendent of Noxubee County Schools and was forced to run again in a special election earlier in 2012. Liddell is currently suing as a result of his loss in the special election. Retired Calhoun County Circuit Judge Henry Lackey is set to hear Liddell’s challenge on August 20 at the Noxubee County Courthouse.

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