RELEASE: Former Southaven Mayor Guilty
JACKSON- District Attorney John Champion announced today that former Southaven Mayor Greg Davis has been found guilty on one count of making false representations to defraud the government and one count of embezzlement.
Champion stated, “I am very pleased with the verdict and am glad DeSoto County jurors held him accountable for his actions.”
Davis falsely represented he had the authority as a government official to purchase a vehicle leased by the City of Southaven at the contract price for the city. According to the contract, the City, not an individual, could purchase the vehicle for $10,000 at the conclusion of the two year lease.
He also used city gas pumps to put gasoline in his personal vehicle. Sentencing is set for July 10, 2014.
“This has been a long investigation and process but I am pleased with today’s ruling and hope it will bring some closure to the citizens of Southaven,” Auditor Pickering said. “I would like to thank District Attorney John Champion for his hard work and dedication to this case.”
In Davis’ civil trial, Hinds County Chancery Court Judge Dewayne Thomas ruled in May that he must repay the full amount of money demanded by the State Auditor’s Office. A demand was originally issued against Davis in November 2011 in the amount of $170,782.28. He paid back $96,000 and currently under court order to pay the additional $73,915.27 the Auditor demanded. Davis has filed an appeal of this ruling.
6/11/14
Magnolia Tribune
