Benton County’s former tax collector pleaded guilty to embezzlement Wednesday, being handed a sentence that includes one year of house arrest.
Shannon Wilburn was arrested by the Office of the State Auditor in September 2024 and charged with one count of embezzlement in public office. He was prosecuted in the Benton County Circuit Court and sentenced to 10 years with nine suspended, one year of house arrest, and five years of post-release supervision.
Wilburn was also ordered to pay $158,096 in restitution.
“The dedicated team at the state auditor’s office has a zero-tolerance policy for fraud, and we will continue to work with prosecutors to get record results,” State Auditor Shad White said.
White’s office reminds that suspected fraud can be reported by visiting www.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-800-321-1275 during normal business hours.
