A former top health official in Mississippi pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to defraud millions of dollars in federal funds as part of a scandal that also involved former NFL quarterback Brett Favre.
John Davis, former executive director of the Mississippi Department of Social Services, and his co-conspirators illegally received funds from two welfare programs, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) announcement. for your own personal use.
Davis directed the state’s Department of Human Services to provide federal funds to two nonprofits and then to award contracts to multiple entities and people for social services that were not provided. said the release.
According to the DOJ, Davis also had nonprofits make full or near-full payments for those contracts near the start of the contract term because he knew key services would not be provided.
Favre received a letter from the State Comptroller’s Office in October demanding repayment of the money received as part of the scheme. Nine others also received the letter.
Favre was reportedly improperly paid $1.1 million in welfare funds between December 2017 and June 2018. He paid off his $600,000 in October, but state auditors said he still owed $228,000 in interest.
Texts between Favre and former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant (R) last week told him how to use at least $5 million in welfare funds for a new volleyball center at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi. clarified.
Davis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and commit theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and one count of theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 2, 2023, and he could face up to five years in prison for conspiracy and 10 years for theft.
.
