Former Horn Lake Alderman Charged with Fraud

Charges of unemployment compensation fraud have been brought against former Horn Lake alderman Charlie Roberts. DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced the news in a press conference held with Shad White, Mississippi State Auditor. Officials with the State Auditor's office arrested Roberts.

Charlie RobertsPhoto byDeSoto County Jail

According to DeSoto News, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, Roberts received unemployment benefits while also being paid as an alderman. The amount of income Roberts received has not been disclosed. Roberts also allegedly failed to report the income from his alderman position when he was supposed to do so.

Roberts is charged with fraud, making falst statements/representations. He is currently being held at DeSoto County Adult Detention Center on a $7,500 bond.

According to a statement made by auditor Shad White in the press conference, over $500 million in unemployment fraud was reported in Mississippi during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Court has been scheduled for Roberts for the date of October 31.

Roberts lost a re-election bid to current Horn Lake Alderman Dave Young in 2021 after serving three terms for Ward 4.

More information will be released about this matter as it is made available.