A former deputy tax collector in Rankin County is being charged with embezzlement. Tiffany Loftin is accused of stealing money from residents when they paid cash for trash collection, manipulating accounting software to try to conceal her scheme. According to State Auditor Shad White, security footage captured her stuffing cash into her pants. White issued a demand letter for $11,519.73–including interest and investigative expenses–upon her arrest.
Rankin County Tax Collector Caroline Gilbert reported Loftin to law enforcement. Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey’s office assisted the investigation. If convicted, Loftin faces up to 20 years in prison or $5-thousand in fines.
A $50,000 surety bond covers Loftin’s employment as an employee of the Rankin County Tax Collector’s office. Surety bonds are similar to insurance designed to protect taxpayers from corruption. Loftin will remain liable for the full amount of the demand in addition to criminal proceedings.
Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office online any time by clicking the red button on the Auditor’s website or via telephone during normal business hours at 1-(800)-321-1275.
