Former Laurel Public Works Director pleads guilty to embezzlement

JACKSON, Miss. — Luther Russell, the former director of Laurel’s Public Works Department, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement, according to Mississippi State Auditor Shad White.

White said Russell instructed city employees to load the city’s track hoe onto a Low-Boy trailer and transport it to his property. Russell then used the equipment to perform work on his personal property, White added.

The Jones County Circuit Court sentenced Russell to five years of house arrest and three years of probation. He was also ordered to repay $21,057 in restitution, pay a $1,000 fine to the Public Defender Fund, a $500 fine, and court costs of $427.50, White said.

White emphasized his office’s efforts to recover funds, stating,

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