Former Health Department manager arrested for embezzlement

COLUMBUS (WCBI) – The former office manager of the Lowndes County Health department is jailed on embezzlement charges.   Agents with the State Auditors office arrested Phyliss Welch Thursday following her indictment.    The auditor is also seeking repayment of $4,102.68 for the funds taken plus investigative costs 

WELCH

As an office manager at the Lowndes County Department of Health, Phyllis Welch allegedly altered payment records to note bogus deductions from cash payments received from patients for services provided, which allowed her to convert the deducted amount to personal use. Internal Auditors at the Mississippi State Department of Health discovered the questionable accounting practices and reported it to the Auditor’s office for further investigation.

“This is an example of someone taking money that should have been spent on health services for the public, and we cannot afford to have that money stolen. My office has a zero tolerance policy for theft of public funds of any type, but taking money from public health is particularly galling. Those thinking about stealing money from the public coffers should see this case as proof that we are watching,” said State Auditor Shad White.

If convicted, Welch faces up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. All persons arrested by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.