In what the state auditor’s office is describing as “Mississippi’s largest public fraud scheme”, the final of six defendants originally indicted in the case has pleaded guilty. John Davis, former executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, has been sentenced to 32 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Following Davis’s guilty plea, Judge Adrienne Wooten spoke from the bench.
Wooten said “I’ll leave you with the fact that you knowingly committed these acts. And that in committing these acts to help someone who didn’t need any help and to take away that help needed by those who did need that help. You have 32 years to think about that.”
Five others charged in the welfare case have already pled guilty but are awaiting sentencing, including a former professional wrestler and a mother-son duo who ran a non-profit.
On the steps of the courthouse following the proceedings, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, joined by State Auditor Shad White, shared thoughts on the outcome of this case.
“In February of 2020, I stood on this courthouse steps with the auditor where we announced the indictment of six individuals to stop Mississippi’s most vulnerable population from losing money,” said Owens. “I’m proud today to admit that we’ve been able to stop that and all those defendants have currently been held accountable and all have pleaded guilty.”
In addition to his 32-year sentence under the custody of the state, Davis must also pay restitution. He awaits sentencing for his federal charges but could receive up to 15 years. As part of his plea deal, Davis will serve his time in a federal prison rather than in a state penitentiary.
