State Auditor Shad White is still trying to recover millions in welfare money that was misspent under the leadership of former Department of Human Services Director John Davis.
The years-old investigation uncovered what’s believed to be the largest embezzlement scheme in state history. More than $77-million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) money was misspent. That led to charges being filed against Davis and 5 others, though some have yet to stand trial.
Several individuals were caught up in the scheme and given 30 days to pay the state back, but that deadline has passed. Now it’s up to the Attorney General to decide whether to go after those individuals through civil suits.
The following cases have been referred to Attorney General Lynn Fitch’s office due to incomplete payment or nonpayment:
- Austin Smith
- Brett Dibiase
- Favre Enterprises, along with Brett Favre and Robert Culumber
- Heart of David Ministries, controlled by Ted Dibiase, Sr.
- JTS Enterprises and Transformational Ventures, controlled by Brian Jeff Smith
- The Marcus Dupree Foundation, controlled by Marcus Dupree
- Nancy New
- NCC Ventures, controlled by Nicholas Coughlin
- Ted Dibiase, Jr.
- Zach New
- Jacob Black
- John Davis
- Mississippi Community Education Center board members Nancy New, Zach New, Jess New, Brian Bledsoe, Susan Floyd, Virgil “Buddy” Strickland, and Beth Purifoy
- Family Resource Center board members Christy Webb, Jerry Bailey, Debbie Pickens, Jimmy Pappas, Amanda Angle, and Steven Blaylock
