072415 daily corinthian e edition

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McNairy County FBI investigates man missing for nearly two months.

Tippah County Ripley nurse indicted on drug fraud charges.

Prentiss County Booneville man dies in head-on collision.

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Friday July 24,

2015

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Vol. 119, No. 176

• Corinth, Mississippi • 20 pages • Two sections

Mitchell pleads guilty to six counts BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

Jimmy Ray Mitchell, one of several arrested in the state auditor’s investigation of an alleged conspiracy to embezzle public funds in Alcorn County, has entered a guilty plea. He made the plea Thursday in Alcorn County Circuit Court on a total of six counts including charges of fraudulently obtaining public funds

and false representation to defraud government, according to court records. Sentencing is deferred until completion of prosecution of the codefendants. Mitchell, a business owner and former Corinth alderman for ward 1, will remain free on bond until sentencing. The maximum sentence for false representation to defraud government is five years and a fine of

$10,000. The maximum sentence for fraudulently obtaining public funds is five years and a $1,000 fine. State Auditor Stacey Pickering has said Mitchell assisted Second District Supervisor Dal Nelms in the creation of multiple schemes designed to embezzle funds from Alcorn County through the fraudulent sale of nonexistent culverts to the county and fraudulent equipment

sales. He was previously served with a civil demand for $95,382.35. In addition to Mitchell and Nelms, others arrested and charged in connection with the investigation in December 2014 were William Paul Rhodes, the former county purchase clerk; Joseph Lin McNair Jr.; and Danny Roy Peters. Judge Thomas Gardner III heard the plea. Mitchell

Politicking and chicken dancing Alcorn supervisor

Nelms arrested BY JEBB JOHNSTON jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com

Alcorn County Second District Supervisor Dal Nelms was arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with grand larceny after he allegedly posed as an auto parts store employee. The arrest stemmed from the investigation of the theft of money from O’Reilly Auto Parts in Corinth in what Police Chief Ralph Dance described as one of the more bizarre cases he has seen.

Staff photo by Steve Beavers

Crossroads Arena’s Corey Johnson checks the microphone prior to Saturday’s Alcorn County Political Speaking.

Some 77 speakers on tap Saturday at Arena BY STEVE BEAVERS sbeavers@dailycorinthian.com

Political signs filled both sides of Levee Road leading to Crossroads Arena on Thursday. Come Saturday, candidates will be able to do some talking prior to the Aug. 4 election during the Alcorn County Political Speaking.

“We are ready to make it a festive event,” said arena general manager Tammy Genovese. Candidates will have five minutes to speak during the event which is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Around 77 speakers have committed to appearing at the event. The first hour of the speak-

ing will see candidates vying for Superintendent of Education, Constable Post 1, Justice Court Judge Post 1 and 2, Coroner and Sheriff all being allowed to address the crowd. Hour two candidates include those running for Circuit Clerk, Please see SPEAKERS | 2A

Nelms turned himself in after 5 p.m. Thursday and remains in custody. Bond had not been set for Nelms, who was out on bond in connection with charges filed by the state auditor’s office. About two weeks ago, Corinth PD was notified by the parts store of an internal investigation concerning the theft of money from the store. Dance said one of the employees who was on duty on Please see NELMS | 2A

Langston responds to appeal opposition BY BRANT SAPPINGTON bsappington@dailycorinthian.com

Former Booneville attorney Joey Langston has responded to the government’s attempt to block his effort to have his 2008 conviction on a federal conspiracy charge reversed. On April 15 of this year he filed a motion in federal court arguing the conviction was improper because a later federal court ruling stated the

statute he was charged under does not apply to his case. He argued the opinion of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in “U.S. vs. Whitfield” states the code section in question does not apply to bribes offered to state court judges in connection with their decisions. Langston pleaded guilty Please see LANGSTON | 2A

Artist offering free drawing classes BY KIMBERLY SHELTON kshelton@dailycorinthian.com

Translating her love of drawing into valuable lessons for others, art enthusiast Mary Linda Moore is offering free classes for beginners. Held periodically at the Alcorn County Extension Service, the six, two-hour sessions will offer instruction in proportion and shading, composition, perspective, landscapes, animals and portraits. Following a suggestion to start up a class, the artist was instantly intrigued by the concept of teaching others.

“Individuals who had seen some of my artwork asked me to start a class and I took up the challenge,” said Moore who currently serves as the Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for Alcorn County. “I held my first class on Tuesday, May 12 and it has really been a pleasure so far.” Popular among all ages, there is no shortage of students looking to sign up. “My next session will begin in October. We are only taking 20 students and there is already a waiting list,” said the instructor. “The dates are the

Mondays of Oct. 5; Oct. 12; Oct. 26; Nov. 2; and Nov. 9.” Developing a love for art at a young age, Moore took private lessons as a child and now holds an Associate of Art’s degree in Commercial Art Technology. “While there is no charge for the class, students are required to bring their own drawing pad, pencils and other supplies which will cost under $15,” she said. “I supply everything else, including refreshments.” (For more information or to inquire about upcoming sessions, contact the Alcorn County Extension Service at 662-286-7756.)

Mary Linda Moore provides art instruction to students.

25 years ago

10 years ago

Groundbreaking ceremonies mark the start of construction on a segment of four-lane U.S. Highway 45 from Mississippi Highway 370 to Mississippi Highway 4. The work will extend the highway from one mile beyond the Alcorn/Prentiss county line to Saltillo.

Jennifer Terrell, daughter of Scott and Martha Terrell, of Corinth places in the top 10 at the Mississippi Outstanding Teen pageant. The Biggersville High School student sang “Break It to Me Gently” during the talent portion of the competition.

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