A former Mississippi probation officer has pleaded guilty to six counts of embezzlement.
According to a news release from State Auditor Shad White, LaCosta Lee admitted to stealing money through her contracted position as a probation officer for Court Programs, Inc. She received court-ordered fines and fees from those on probation and proceeded to pocket the money for personal use.
“Our dedicated team at the state auditor’s office continues to work closely with prosecutors to get record results,” White said. “That’s how we’ve recovered more money in the last six years than any other six-year period in the history of the auditor’s office.”
Lee was prosecuted in the 12th District Circuit Court and sentenced to three years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. She has also been ordered to pay $7,713.75 in restitution, fines, and to the victims’ compensation fund.
White reminds Mississippians that suspected fraud can be reported to his office by calling (800) 321-127 or by clicking here.
