PANOLA COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – The former Sardis Fire Department Secretary/Treasurer pled guilty to one count of embezzlement of public funds.

State Auditor Shad White said William Clark submitted inflated emergency response numbers in order to receive payments to which he was not entitled.

“We will continue to hold the line on misuse of your tax dollars, big or small,” said White. “This is how we’ve been able to recover more money in the last seven years than any other seven-year period in the history of the Auditor’s office.”

Clark was prosecuted by the Panola County Circuit Court. Clark was sentenced to 10 years post release supervision and has been ordered to pay $1,100 in fines and $7,525.00 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.