A former Mississippi justice court deputy has been arrested on charges of embezzlement and alteration of records.

On Monday, special Agents from the Mississippi State Auditor’s office arrested former Simpson County Justice Court Deputy Clerk Effie Ramsey

Ramsey stands accused of misappropriating funds collected from fines for personal gain. She was served with a $1,348.05 demand letter at the time of her arrest.

If convicted, Ramsey could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. However, it’s important to note that all individuals arrested by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Ramsey’s employment at the Simpson County Justice Court was covered by a $50,000 surety bond, a measure designed to protect taxpayers from corruption. Despite this bond, Ramsey remains liable for the full amount of the demand served to her upon arrest, in addition to any penalties imposed through the criminal proceedings.

State Auditor Shad White emphasized the office’s commitment to safeguarding taxpayer dollars, regardless of the scale of misuse. He highlighted the Auditor’s successful efforts in recovering misappropriated funds over the past five years, indicating a robust stance against financial malpractice.