Former Natchez city employee pleads guilty to embezzlement

JACKSON, Miss. — Rebekah Turner, a former accounts receivables clerk for the City of Natchez, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement, according to the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office.

Turner took cash from deposits made by other city departments and converted the money for her personal use, officials said. The misconduct was uncovered during an audit, prompting her guilty plea.

State Auditor Shad White emphasized the office’s stance on theft, stating, “The State Auditor’s Office has a zero-tolerance policy for theft of taxpayer dollars. We will continue to work with prosecutors across the state to deliver results for taxpayers.”

In court, the 6th District Circuit Court sentenced Turner to 20 years in prison, with 19 years suspended. She received five years of probation and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, along with court costs and fees.

Officials encourage the public to report suspected fraud by visiting the Auditor’s website or calling 1-800-321-1275 during business hours.

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