JACKSON- Karei McDonald, an Investigative Special Agent with the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor, was a recipient of the “Top Cop” award on Thursday, May 13, at the Mississippi Trade Mart.

McDonald is a resident of Flowood, Miss., and has served the State Auditor’s Office for five years.

“Karei played a critical role in the State Auditor’s Office in an investigation of a corruption ring where employees of a state agency were conspiring to embezzle from the taxpayers of Mississippi,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “We are fortunate to have Karei’s knowledge and experience in our office as we work to protect Mississippi taxpayers.”

The Top Cop program is in its fifth year of recognizing top law enforcement agents in Mississippi. The annual awards program is sponsored by the Mississippi Center for Police and Sheriffs. Awards are given to agents representing state and metro area law enforcement agencies. McDonald was recognized on Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and during Police Week, a time when the country honors brave public servants who fight crime, violence and terrorism.

McDonald attended Mississippi College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and he was a 2005 graduate of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer’s Training Academy. McDonald has also earned certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Fraud Specialist, Certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor and Minimum Standards Certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Mississippi.

“I appreciate the support of Auditor Pickering and his administration in receiving this distinguished honor,” McDonald said.

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