A former city of Gautier customer service representative has been taken into custody for embezzlement and false statements.
State Auditor Shad White’s office has revealed that Alicia Landaverde is accused of reversing late fees paid by customers and taking the funds for personal use.
Landaverde, who worked in the city’s utility department, was served an $8,514.06 demand letter at the time of her surrender.
“We will continue to investigate cases, from small thefts to the largest public fraud case in state history, to ensure taxpayer dollars are protected,” White said.
Landaverde faces 25 years and $6,000 in fines if convicted on all counts. All persons arrested by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District Attorney Angel McIlrath’s office is set to prosecute the case.