Auditor touts mandatory jail time for embezzlers

By By William F. West / community editor
July 31, 2002
Mississippi Auditor Phil Bryant is pleased with a new law requiring public officials convicted of embezzlement to serve time in jail.
Bryant said Tuesday that he worked to make the bill a reality.
Under the law, officials convicted of embezzling more than $10,000 in Mississippi must spend a minimum of one year in the state penitentiary.
For too long, Bryant said, Mississippi officials caught stealing money have been allowed to repay it, resign from office and work out a plea bargain to avoid jail time.
Bryant said there is a fairness standard at issue.
Bryant was on the list of speakers this morning at the Neshoba County Fair and said he planned to speak about money his office has gotten back from those who embezzled, misappropriated or misspent taxpayer' money.