Mississippi probation officer charged with fraud

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A Court Programs, Inc. (CPI) contract worker has been arrested on seven counts of embezzlement in Mississippi.

State Auditor Shad White said Lacosta Lee received court-ordered fines and fees from people on parole. She is accused of misappropriating the funds for her own use. At the time of Lee’s arrest, a demand letter was served for $7,558.50.

“The dedicated team in the Office of the State Auditor continues to work closely with prosecutors to achieve record results in every case,” White said.

If convicted, Lee faces a $5,000 fine and 20 years in prison.

Suspected fraud may be reported to the Office of the Auditor online by clicking on the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or by calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours.