RELEASE:
Corinth Businessman Arrested and Indicted on 60 Counts
Corinth, Miss – Doug Essary, owner of Essary Truck Sales & Parts Inc., was indicted on 60 counts by an Alcorn County Grand Jury and taken into custody today, announced State Auditor Stacey Pickering and District Attorney John Weddle. Essary was indicted on fifty-six counts of submitting fraudulent documents and four counts of conspiracy to fraudulently obtain public funds. A demand in the amount of $44,168.17 was also served.
Essary is accused of scheming with former Alcorn County officials by submitting fraudulent invoices to Alcorn County Districts one and two. He allegedly inflated the cost of invoices and also turned in invoices for work that was never done.
“My office will continue to expose the individuals taking advantage of the taxpayers, and we will continue to pursue this case until justice is served,” Pickering said. “The citizens of Alcorn County can be confident that we will work to restore integrity in their county government.”
In addition to Essary’s arrest, special agents from the auditor’s office searched Essary Truck Sales & Parts Inc. this morning looking for records related to the indictments.
Weddle said today that, “The investigation into these matters resulting in multiple indictments of public officials has been thorough and the District Attorney’s office has worked closely with the State Auditor and his staff to get these cases to the grand jury. We recognize that confidence in our elected officials cannot be restored until the corruption is revealed. I would like to thank Stacy Pickering’s office and his staff for their cooperation and tireless work.”
The State Auditor and District Attorney said the investigation in Alcorn County is ongoing and additional information will be released when it becomes available. Additionally, a summary update in early September is planned.
8/20/15
Magnolia Tribune
