The executive director of a nonprofit working alongside the Mississippi Department of Education to feed students in need during the summer months has been indicted on fraud charges.
Announced by State Auditor Shad White, Carol Jackson of Sunflower County was arrested and issued a demand letter for $109,124.59. According to a news release, Jackson allegedly submitted fraudulent documents to MDE and stole over $40,000 from the program. She purportedly used program funds to write herself over $20,000 in checks in addition to withdrawing thousands of dollars from an ATM at a local casino and spending nearly $2,000 on personal travel.
“We will hold the line when someone steals any taxpayer funds, but we are even more motivated when someone steals money intended for children,” Auditor White said. “Thank you to the investigators who worked tirelessly on this case.”
Jackson surrendered to Special Agents at the Sunflower County Sheriff’s office. Bail was set at $10,000 by the court.
If convicted, Jackson faces up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
