A group of officials representing Mississippi have launched a regional partnership to crack down on fraud.
Organized through the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, seven Mississippi officials will work with counterparts from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina, in a coordinated effort to fight fraudulent activities.
Representing Mississippi are Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Secretary of State Michael Watson, State Auditor Shad White, State Treasurer David McRae, Southern District U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger, Northern District U.S. Attorney Scott Leary, and FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Field Office Robert Eikhoff.
Here’s what each official had to say about the collaboration.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch
“President Trump has challenged all of us to step up our efforts to fight fraud and protect American taxpayers from this grift. Partnerships like this one show that we are bringing everything to the table in this work. In that spirit, with the support of the U.S. Department of Justice, my office is standing up Joint Task Force Vigilance with our two U.S. Attorneys and the FBI to surge resources and personnel to make Mississippi safer, protect Mississippi taxpayers, and restore law and order. This first-of-its kind task force will bring the full authority of our offices to bear on con artists, grifters, fraudsters, and scammers.”
Secretary of State Michael Watson
“Thanks to the diligent work of our team at the Secretary of State’s Office, we will continue to protect hardworking Mississippians. I am grateful for this partnership as we combat fraud across Mississippi and the Southeast.”
State Auditor Shad White
“President Trump has made it clear from day one that eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in government is one of his top priorities. My team has uncovered over $400 million in waste across state government and we’re proud to work with the White House to make sure that your tax dollars aren’t being flushed down the drain.”
State Treasurer David McRae
“Fraudsters don’t care about state lines, and neither should the people fighting them. This agreement gets investigators critical information sooner, giving us a better chance to stop fraud before a dime goes out the door. President Trump has declared war on waste, fraud, and abuse, and I’m proud to stand with his administration to hunt down fraudsters, protect taxpayers, and make Americans’ money safe again.”
Mississippi Southern District U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger
“Fraud is not a victimless crime. It undermines public trust, steals from taxpayers, and diverts resources from those who truly need them. By joining forces with our state and federal partners, we are strengthening our ability to investigate, prosecute, and hold accountable those who exploit government programs and prey on our communities. The Southern District of Mississippi is committed to continuing working to protect integrity and ensure that justice is served.”
Mississippi Northern District U.S. Attorney Scott Leary
“As citizens of this great country, we have assumed the responsibility to help those in need. Every year, billions of dollars in taxpayer funds are utilized to accomplish this task. When the greedy seek to take those benefits from those who actually depend on them, they must be held accountable. It is my honor to work with the Mississippi Attorney General in seeking to redress benefits fraud. By working together, Federal and State law enforcement can contribute to making Mississippi a more wonderful place to live.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge of Jackson Field Office Robert Eikhoff
“Fraud undermines public trust and can have devastating financial and emotional consequences for victims. Combating these crimes requires strong partnerships and collaboration. By working in lockstep with our state and federal law enforcement partners, we strengthen our capacity to identify emerging threats; proactively disrupt criminal schemes; and hold accountable those who seek to defraud the public. Together, we remain committed to protecting Mississippi and the greater Southeast region by ensuring justice is served, safeguarding victims, and protecting our communities.”
As part of the collaboration, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office has been awarded over $2.5 million to start the first-of-its-kind law enforcement partnership called Joint Task Force Vigilance.
The effort, led by Fitch’s team, alongside both Mississippi U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the FBI, will hire and equip five experienced prosecutors, a sworn law enforcement officer, and a legal analyst specifically tasked with fighting fraud, crimes by criminal aliens, human trafficking, and illicit drug activity.
A formal announcement for Joint Task Force Vigilance will be scheduled in August.