Over three months after being arrested and charged with embezzlement, a former Centreville Police officer has pleaded guilty.
The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor announced Wednesday that Patrick Harris admitted wrongdoing in a case where he pawned his assigned pistol from the Centreville Police Department. A few months later, he took two more pistols from the evidence and property room at the department and pawned them off as well.
Harris was prosecuted in the Wilkinson County Circuit Court, where he was sentenced to 10 years of probation. He was also ordered to pay over $1,900 in restitution, court costs, and fines.
“I’m thankful to the agents in my office for working on this case as long as the prosecutor who helped bring it to a close,” State Auditor Shad White said in a statement. “We will continue to work hand-in-hand with prosecutors to hold those who steal taxpayer money accountable.”
White reminded people that suspected fraud can be reported to his office on the state auditor’s website or by calling 1-800-321-1275.