JACKSON, Mississippi — Special Agents with the Mississippi State Auditor's office have arrested former Benton County Tax Assessor, Shannon Wilburn. His attorney said he's now seeking treatment for a gambling addiction.
Wilburn is accused of taking over $300,000 worth of taxpayer money from the Benton County Tax collector and is being charged with one count of embezzlement while in public office.
“The dedicated team at the State Auditor’s Office will continue to work closely with prosecutors to get record results, one case at a time,” Mississippi State Auditor Shad White said Tuesday.
Wilburn resigned in April from the elected office he had held in Benton County since 2016, and he began the 12-week addiction treatment in late July, his attorney Tony Farese told The Associated Press.
The announcement of the charges came days after Wilburn was indicted. Farese said Wilburn turned himself in to the sheriff's office Friday, then posted bond and returned to the treatment program.
"I've known Shannon all of his life," Farese said. "We are shocked that he finds himself in this situation."
Wilburn is accused of taking $327,055 paid to the Benton County Tax Collector's office and using the money for personal expenses, Farese said. He said Wilburn confessed to the auditor's office before hiring legal representation and has continued to cooperate with investigators.
"He apologizes for disappointing the citizens of Benton County and the state of Mississippi," Farese said.
If convicted, Wilburn could face up to $5,000 in fines and 20 years in prison.
White said Wilburn's employment as a Benton County elected official was covered by $200,000 in surety bonds to protect taxpayers from losses from corruption. The county also has an insurance policy that covers theft.
