Alcorn Tax Collector charged for embezzlement, asked to return $70,000 to taxpayers
If convicted, he faces up to 45 years in prison and $20,000 in fines
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Updated: 5:09 PM CST Dec 21, 2020
Alcorn County Tax Collector Larry Ross
SOURCE: Office of State Auditor Shad White
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If convicted, he faces up to 45 years in prison and $20,000 in fines
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Updated: 5:09 PM CST Dec 21, 2020
The Alcorn County Tax Collector has been arrested and charged for embezzlement and fraud after an investigation by the State Auditor’s Office. Special Agents from State Auditor Shad White’s office arrested Larry Ross Monday and issued him a demand letter stating he owed $69,155.23 to county taxpayers. He has been indicted for two counts of embezzlement and one count of making a fraudulent statement. The state auditor’s investigation alleges Ross, whose office is not only responsible for ensuring property taxes are collected appropriately but also the sale of vehicle license tags, embezzled from the county by taking cash he obtained from recycling unused license tags. He also allegedly took cash from fees collected by the office. Investigators state they found evidence Ross created and signed fraudulent bills of sale as Tax Collector. From March 2012 through March 2020, Ross is said to have embezzled $2,689.58 from Alcorn County. Ross is also allegedly responsible for waiving late penalties associated with the licensing and registration of motor vehicles, resulting in losses to the county in the amounts of $43,746.48 and $5,478.81. Ross surrendered to Special Agents at the Alcorn County Jail and his bond was set at $10,000.If convicted, he faces up to 45 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. A conviction would also prevent him from serving as an elected official in the future. A $100,000.00 surety bond covers Ross’ time as Tax Collector of Alcorn County. A surety bond is similar to insurance designed to protect taxpayers from corruption. Ross will remain personally liable for the full amount of the demand in addition to criminal proceedings.