A former Hattiesburg business owner pled guilty to fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits on Thursday, according to the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor.
Sharcarra McNair was facing one count of fraud and sentenced to three years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections suspended, one year of probation, and has been ordered to pay $15,604 in restitution, $1,000 in fines, and $200 to the victims’ compensation fund.
McNair had previously submitted fraudulent certifications to the Mississippi Department of Employment Services, so she could receive unemployment benefits while being employed as a tax preparer. She was prosecuted in the 12th District Court.
“Thank you to the staff at the Department of Employment Security for alerting us to this scheme and to the investigators and prosecutors for helping bring this case to a close,” State Auditor Shad White said.
White reminds people that suspected fraud can be reported to his office on the state auditor’s website or by calling 1-800-321-1275.
