LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A North Mississippi woman pled guilty to stealing government funds.

State Auditor Shad White said Misty Burgess, of Lee County, pled guilty to one count of theft of government funds in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi.

In May 2020, prosecutors said Burgess submitted an application for unemployment benefits using her sister’s personal information. Burgess’ sister at the time was an inmate at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) and was ineligible for unemployment benefits.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s office. Burgess is expected to be sentenced in September 2024.

Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office online by clicking the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or via telephone during normal business hours at 1-(800)-321-1275.