Auditor Pickering Announces Arrest Following Katrina Fraud Indictment

October 8, 2008

JACKSON- After thorough investigation, State Auditor Stacey Pickering has announced that Clinton Tapper has been arrested on charges of fraud relating to a Katrina grant case in Hancock County following Hurricane Katrina.

Agents with the State Auditor’s Office working the case presented evidence of fraud to a federal grand jury in June, and he appeared in federal court on the indictment on October 1. He will face trial on December 1, 2008 in the United States District Court.

“The State Auditor’s Office continues to investigate cases of Katrina fraud across South Mississippi and currently has over 250 active cases,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “Our office has been very successful in identifying fraud cases and we continue to work with federal and state courts to bring these cases to a conclusion.”

The case involves three Katrina related grants totaling approximately $200,000.

###