JASPER COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) – A former Jasper County Solid Waste Department employee was arrested for allegedly embezzling funds from the Jasper County District One Solid Waste account.

According to State Auditor Shad White, Lacorsha Ellis took $11,181 in cash from solid waste transactions for her own personal use instead of depositing it into the Jasper County District One Solid Waste account.

“We will continue to hold the line when it comes to improper spending of taxpayer dollars,” said White. “We will continue to send a message that we have zero tolerance for theft of public funds.”

If convicted, Ellis faces up to $5,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison.

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