JACKSON- Today, State Auditor Stacey Pickering returned $41,927.12 to the Franklin County School District following an investigation into former business manager Ramona Mullins’ embezzlement of public funds.

The District recently collected $25,000.00 from an additional bond.  Mullins, age 52, pled guilty before Circuit Court Judge Forrest Johnson and was sentenced Tuesday.

State Auditor Stacey Pickering also returned $16,866.51 to the Town of Roxie today.  Mullins admitted to embezzling funds from the Town of Roxie where she served as Town Clerk.  Mullins made purchases by writing checks to herself for personal use.

Judge Johnson sentenced Mullins to nine years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with six years suspended, three to serve, followed by three years post release supervision.  She was ordered to make restitution to the Franklin County School District in the amount of $77,396.42 and to make restitution to the Town of Roxie in the amount of $16,866.51.  She was further ordered to pay $16,973.12 to the Office of the State Auditor for the cost of recovery, court costs, and fees.

“I am appalled that an individual with such a professional background as Ms. Mullins, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), would make personal purchases with taxpayer dollars,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering.   “The money returned today should help the school district and the Town of Roxie recover from their losses.”

Auditor Pickering also stated that he appreciates the work done by the Attorney General’s Office prosecuting these cases.  “This is an example of our agencies working together to protect the taxpayers of the State of Mississippi.”

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Attachment: Auditor Pickering presents a check to Roxie Mayor Ricky Wilson