By John Mott Coffey, with News Mississippi affiliate WQNZ
NATCHEZ, Miss.–Adams County last week received $100,000 from the insurance that covered money allegedly embezzled by the indicted former administrator of the juvenile detention center, but county supervisors are trying to recoup up to $60,000 more they say was taken by Kevin Nations.
County board attorney Scott Slover said the remaining money might be paid by other county officials who could have been negligent or liable in overseeing the money Nations is charged with stealing. Slover declined to be more specific.
The state Attorney General’s Office got a grand jury in November to indict Nations for embezzling more than $100,000 from the Adams County Juvenile Detention Center’s bank accounts from January to July. He was arraigned last Wednesday and pleaded not guilty. The judge declared him an indigent with little money to pay his attorney.
While the county’s insurance covers $100,000 taken through embezzlements, Slover said the Board of Supervisors could get more back by suing anyone who could be held responsible for the loss. “If you’re negligent, you’re liable,” he said. He said the money might be recouped without litigation.
The county board on Monday shut the public out of its discussions with its attorney on what litigation strategies to use for what Slover said is $40,000 to $60,000 found missing at the Juvenile Detention Center.
The public was barred from most of the board’s regular twice-a-month meeting. About 40 minutes was open and an hour and 45 minutes closed.
In its open session, the supervisors voted to issue a ban against people burning leaves or trash while the county continues to endure dry weather. During the recent windy conditions, two grass fires occurred in recent days on Alexander and Liberty roads, said county Fire Coordinator Darryl Smith.
