QUITMAN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – The owner of multiple rental properties pled guilty to one count of fraudulent statements, according to State Auditor Shad White.

White said Vernell Survillion submitted fraudulent RAMP (Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program) applications on behalf of tenants renting properties owned by him. The applications contained fraudulent information, including forged signatures, inflated monthly rental amounts, inflated months delinquent, and incorrect occupant information. White said these actions caused the Mississippi Home Corporation to make payments to Survillion.

Survillion was prosecuted in the Quitman County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to five years non-adjudicated probation and has been ordered to pay $500 in fines and $16,050 in restitution.

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