A City of Jackson employee has been terminated following an “alarming amount of fraud” discovered by the municipality’s Human Resources department.
Mayor Chokwe Lumumba made the announcement during a Monday press briefing. According to the mayor, human resources director Toya Martin noticed multiple irregularities within the benefits division of the department several weeks ago.
An internal investigation uncovered the misappropriation of funds by an unidentified city employee, prompting city leaders to contact law enforcement. Jackson police, in collaboration with city officials, discovered additional discrepancies which led to Mississippi’s attorney general and state auditor’s offices being notified.
According to Lumumba, the perpetrator allegedly took advantage of retired Jackson employees who utilize the city’s insurance plan. A “felonious amount” of money was reportedly acquired by the former employee accused of defrauding others. However, the mayor did not give a specific figure of city funds that were misused.
“We believe that this fraud may have impacted former city employees who utilize the city’s insurance plan,” Lumumba said. “We are asking any former employees who may have noticed irregularities to call our HR department immediately.”
Lumumba expects criminal charges to be announced against the city employee in the near future. Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the alleged embezzlement. Police are encouraging those who the reported insurance fraud may have impacted to contact Jackson’s HR department at (601)960-1053.
