QUITMAN COUNTY, MS — On Thursday, State Auditor Shad White announced the arrest of Quitman County Coroner Randy Hester and his aunt, Brenda Pittman, following an investigation into fraudulent activity involving the submission of fake invoices to Quitman County for body transportation services.
Hester and Pittman allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices under a fictitious business name, MFC Transit, for services that were not provided. The pair opened a bank account for the business using Hester’s personal address as the business address. The fraudulent invoices detailed the transportation of bodies, a service that had already been carried out by other funeral homes, according to the Auditor’s Office.
Hester is facing up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines if convicted. Pittman could face up to 5 years in prison. This case highlights the importance of holding public officials accountable for any misuse of funds.
State Auditor Shad White commented, “The dedicated team at the State Auditor’s Office will continue to work closely with prosecutors to get record results, one case at a time.”
The investigation revealed that Hester submitted invoices for body transportation, charging the county for services rendered by other funeral homes, amounting to a significant amount of financial fraud.
Hester’s trial is set to proceed, and this arrest has sent a clear message about the importance of integrity in public office.
The State Auditor’s office encourages the public to report any suspected fraud by clicking the red button on their website or calling their fraud hotline at 1-(800)-321-1275 during regular business hours.
