Hinds County, Miss. Consultant Ordered to Repay $380,000

A former Hinds County, Miss. risk management consultant has been ordered to repay the county $380,000.

Hinds County sued Shappley Harris for making changes in invoices from the Mississippi Municipal Association between 2002 and 2003, increasing the cost of the premium for the county’s worker compensation insurance and then resubmitting the changed invoices to be approved for payment by county supervisors.

Harris used the money as commission, authorities alleged.
Board President Doug Anderson said that Harris offered proof of his guilt when he paid back $190,000 to the state auditor after an annual county audit revealed the discrepancies.

After a two-day civil trial in Hinds County Circuit Court, a jury decided that Harris, who did not testify, must reimburse the county.
John Reeves, Harris’ attorney, argued that Harris was entitled to an agents fee because he brokered the deal between the county and the Municipal Association.

Anderson, one of four Hinds County supervisors called as witnesses during the trial, said the board has not discussed filing criminal charges against Harris.

The county originally was seeking $570,881, but changed the amount to $380,000 after the state auditor investigated and demanded $190,000 from Harris in November 2003.

Ross Aldridge, spokesman for the auditor’s office, said Harris delivered a check for $202,196, which included interest and costs.