A tax services company owner accused of COVID-19 fraud has been taken into custody.
State Auditor Shad White announced on Monday that special agents from his office handcuffed Verneshia Cody, the owner and operator of Jackson-based TDK Accounting and Tax Services, for allegedly submitting fraudulent documents to the Mississippi Department of Health to acquire funds from the COVID-19 Health Disparities Elimination Project for profit.
The project entailed grants aimed at addressing the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on minority and underserved communities within the state. Cody allegedly withdrew and spent sub-grant funds for personal use. The state auditor also accused Cody of submitting fraudulent invoices, improper expense claims, and counterfeit checks to obtain grant funding.
“Our investigators worked tirelessly to uncover this scheme,” White said in a press release. “We will continue working with prosecutors to hold people accountable and make sure that your tax dollars are spent properly.”
Cody faces up to $10,000 in fines and 10 years in prison. White encourages anyone suspecting fraud to reach out to the auditor’s office at any time by clicking the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or calling (800)-321-1275 during regular business hours.
