On Tuesday, State Auditor Shad White announced that Memory Smith, former Quitman High School bookkeeper, has pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement.
Smith took cash from the Quitman High School’s activity fund and pocketed the money for her own personal use.
“I’m thankful to the tireless efforts from the investigators and prosecutors for the joint work required to bring this case to a close,” said State Auditor Shad White.
Smith was prosecuted in the 10th District Circuit Court. Smith was sentenced to 7 years suspended, 5 years probation, and a $2,000 fine.
Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office online at any time by clicking the red button on the Auditor’s website or calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours.
Shad White began his first term as the 42nd State Auditor of Mississippi in July of 2018 and then won re-election to his first and second term in the office after establishing a tough, no-nonsense reputation.
In his time as State Auditor, White’s team has stopped the largest public fraud in state history, made the largest civil recovery after an auditor’s investigation in the history of the office, and concluded cases that, collectively, led to hundreds of years of prison sentences for fraudsters.
He holds a certificate in forensic accounting, is a Certified Fraud Examiner, and serves as a captain in the Mississippi National Guard.
The son of an oilfield pumper and public school teacher, White grew up in rural Jones County and went on to earn degrees from Ole Miss, the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar, and Harvard Law School. Today he, his wife Rina, and their children live in Rankin County and attend St. Richard Church.
