Three individuals have been arrested in Yalobusha County on charges of fraudulent statements/representations, conspiracy, and obtaining an object of value with intent to defraud.
The three arrests include former Coffeeville School District Superintendent Vivian Robinson, Nichols Elementary School Principal Melissa Nance, and Tammy Briggs.
According to State Auditor Shad White, the trio is accused of creating a business for educational consulting and authorizing payments to the fraudulent business to feign its legitimacy.
Altogether, the three women collected nearly $45,000 from the Coffeeville School District.
“For the second time in a month, we’ve identified money that should have benefitted public school students that was misspent,” Auditor Shad White said. “We will work with prosecutors in this case to protect the interests of those students and the taxpayers.”
Upon their arrest, the defendants were served with demand letters showing they owe $84,171.06 back to taxpayers. The amount includes interest and investigative expenses.
A $100,000 surety bond covers the employment of Robinson as the Superintendent of Coffeeville School District.
Nance, who was arrested on Wednesday, is currently being held at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center without bond. She has also been placed on administrative leave at the Biloxi elementary school until further notice.
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