John Davis pleads guilty for conspiracy to defraud the State of Mississippi of millions

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - On Thursday, the former Mississippi Department of Human Services director, John Davis, pleaded guilty to his role in the state’s largest welfare scheme.

The investigation found that MDHS misspent more than $77 million in welfare funds under Davis, including $1.1 million in TANF funds.

According to documents filed in Judge Adrienne Wooten’s courtroom, John Davis pleaded guilty to 5 counts of conspiracy and 13 counts of fraud against the government.

Judge Wooten sentenced Davis to spend 32 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. She also ordered him to pay restitution.

Davis also pleaded guilty to one federal charge of conspiracy and one federal charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds this morning in the courtroom of Judge Carlton Reeves.

For these crimes, Davis faces up to 15 years in federal prison and $500,000 in fines. He also agreed to forfeit assets he gained as a result of these crimes.

State Auditor Shad White said Davis’ actions represent a historic day for justice.

Gov. Tate Reeves said there must be consequences for any actions, such as these, against the government.

After this guilty plea, it is abundantly clear that John Davis and his alleged co-conspirators abused the trust of taxpayers. It is just that there be consequences for anyone who defrauds the people that we are tasked to serve.
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) September 22, 2022

John Davis is scheduled to be sentenced for his crimes by Judge Reeves in February 2023.

However, the investigation continues into what’s been called the biggest public fraud scheme in state history.

State Auditor Shad White announced the arrest of John Davis and five other individuals as part of what is now Mississippi’s largest public fraud scheme in February 2020. Since then, multiple people have pleaded guilty to criminal charges in state court.

In December 2020, Brett DiBiase pleaded guilty to making fraudulent statements in Judge Tomie Green’s courtroom and paid $5,000 in restitution at that time. DiBiase has not yet been sentenced for his crime.
Anne McGrew is guilty of conspiracy. She entered a guilty plea in Judge Adrienne Wooten’s courtroom in October 2021. McGrew will be sentenced for her crime at a later date.
In April 2022, Nancy New pleaded guilty to multiple charges of bribery of a public official, fraud against the government, mail fraud, and racketeering in Judge Faye Peterson’s courtroom. New is awaiting sentencing for her crimes.
Zach New also pleaded guilty to multiple charges of bribery of a public official, fraud against the government, and mail fraud in Judge Faye Peterson’s courtroom in April 2022. Zach New has not yet been sentenced for his crimes.

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