COLUMBUS, Miss. – A former police and corrections officer has been arrested and charged with felony embezzlement after allegedly stealing equipment from the Mississippi University for Women Police Department.
According to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Michael Anthony Mellott, 48, is accused of taking a handheld radio, bulletproof vest, and a police badge after resigning from his position with the university’s police force.
At the time of his arrest, Mellott was working as a corrections officer at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center, but authorities confirmed he is no longer employed there.
Sheriff Eddie Hawkins addressed the arrest, stating:
“The trust placed in law enforcement and corrections officers is a serious responsibility, and we will always hold our employees accountable for their actions. This behavior is unacceptable, and our office is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity.”
Mellott was booked and released on a $10,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing.
