Jail Time For Woman In Lawsuit Scam

PRESS RELEASE

Jackson, Miss.- Jessica Plaxico, 30, of Booneville, is going to prison for a con game she perpetrated upon an elderly victim, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.

Plaxico pleaded guilty to one count of false pretense Friday before Tippah County Circuit Court Judge Andrew K. Howorth. Judge Howorth sentenced Plaxico to serve 10 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with four years to serve, day-for-day, and six years suspended as a habitual offender. Plaxico was ordered to pay $7,928.50 in restitution to the victim, $500 to the Mississippi Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund and court costs. Following release from prison, Plaxico must serve five years of post-release supervision.

Plaxico admitted to taking more than $7,900 in the scheme. The victim believed she was helping the defendant after she contacted her and asked her for money that she would repay once a medical lawsuit she pretended to be involved in was settled.

“We thank Judge Howorth for the substantial sentence and ordering the defendant to pay back what she took from the victim,” said Attorney General Hood. “We also thank and appreciate Tippah County Sheriff Karl Gaillard and his deputies for their assistance with this case. This should be a warning to any type of con-artist that we will not tolerate this type of criminal activity in our state and you will get caught and serve time.”

The case was investigated by Jamie Thompson and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Stan Alexander of the Attorney General’s Public Integrity Division