A former Panola County employee had pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement of public funds, according to an announcement by the Mississippi Office of State Auditor.
Carvelle Russell admitted to misusing a fuel card assigned to the Panola County Road Department, which he previously worked for. Between June and September 2024, Russell used the card to purchase gasoline for his personal vehicle.
Russell was prosecuted in the Panola County Circuit Court and sentenced to one day in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections and 10 years of post-release supervision. He was ordered to pay $9,546.37 in restitution and $1,100 in fines.
“Our team of investigators work tirelessly to uncover schemes like this,” State Auditor Shad White said. “We will continue to work alongside prosecutors to deliver record results for Mississippians.”
White reminded people that suspected fraud can be reported to his office on the state auditor’s website or by calling 1-800-321-1275.
