Tempie L. McKenzie and Natasha D. Keeton of Laurel were arrested by the Jones County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Office of Fraud Investigations. Both were charged and found guilty of food stamp fraud in the Jones County Justice Court.

Judge Howell Beech ordered McKenzie, who was charged and found guilty May 5, to pay $2,610 in restitution and serve 6 months in jail, suspended if restitution is paid in full. She is further disqualified from the food stamp program.

Judge Wesley Rushing ordered Keeton, who was charged and found guilty April 30, to pay $3,790 in restitution with 90 days in jail suspended.

“These arrests are part of MDHS’ continued efforts to rid the State of those who wish to misuse and abuse taxpayer dollars,” said MDHS Executive Director Donald R. Taylor. “It is imperative that we continue to be good stewards of tax dollars. Every dollar misspent, misused or stolen is one dollar less available to Mississippians in need,” continued Taylor.

The MDHS, Office of Fraud Investigations is charged with detection, investigation and verification of alleged fraud in federal public assistance programs administered by MDHS. During State Fiscal Year 2007, the office handled 2,681 suspected program violations and recovered $1,703,452. Ken Palmer, Director for the Office of Fraud Investigation warned that more arrests statewide are forthcoming.