The Administration for Children and Families has requested that the Mississippi Department of Human Services repay almost $101 million in what is being called the state’s largest welfare scandal. The scandal began in February 2020 when an apparent multimillion-dollar embezzlement scheme involving the misuse of TANF funds was brought to light. Former Executive Director of DHS, John Davis, along with Nancy New and her son Zach New, were implicated in the scandal and have pled to charges in federal and Hinds County Court.
Subsequent audits revealed that $94 million in taxpayer dollars could have been questionably spent since 2017, with alleged connections to former NFL Quarterback Brett Favre. Text messages from 2017 also surfaced, showing former Governor Phil Bryant allegedly guiding Favre on securing funds from MDHS for a volleyball stadium at USM. The ACF has now requested MDHS to repay the misused funds, with MDHS acknowledging more than $88.4 million in misspent funds.
MDHS has declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations and legal matters surrounding the scandal. The case continues to develop as more information comes to light. Stay updated on the latest news by subscribing to the WLBT newsletter.
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