Former Mississippi Risk Consultant to Repay $380,000

The Mississippi Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that a former Hinds County risk management consultant must repay the county $380,000.

Hinds County sued Shappley Harris for making changes in invoices from the Mississippi Municipal Association between 2002 and 2003. The county said the changes increased the cost of the premium for worker compensation insurance. The county said Harris then resubmitted the changed invoices for payment.

Officials alleged Harris used the money as commission, authorities alleged.

A Hinds County jury ruled for the county in 2006.

Harris had argued that he was entitled to an agent’s fee because he brokered the deal between the county and the MMA.

The Supreme Court on June 5 upheld the ruling without comment.