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Harris still in office after conviction
Published Thursday, October 18, 2007
NATCHEZ — Although convicted of embezzlement and tax evasion, Jefferson County Circuit Clerk Burnell Harris was in his office Thursday.
Harris was sentenced Wednesday to six years in prison and ordered to pay $447,068 in restitution to the state auditor’s office.
If convicted of a felony, a public official must step down from his position.
Earlier this year, a statement from the attorney general’s office said according to a Mississippi Supreme Court case, a person cannot be removed from office until he is sentenced. Once sentenced, Harris would be removed.
In a statement Thursday, Attorney General Jim Hood said Harris would have to step down.
“The defendant’s attorney told us his client will resign when he is sentenced, but he has not yet returned our call (Wednesday),” Hood said in the statement. “If the defendant does not resign (Thursday), we will file our petition to remove him (Thursday) afternoon.”
A spokesperson from the attorney general’s office could provide no further information Thursday.
Harris’ office staff confirmed he was in the office Thursday. He did not return phone calls.
A federal judge in Natchez sentenced Harris to serve six years in jail and three years probation. Judge David Bramlette allowed Harris to report for his sentence in January to spend time with his family, a blind father and an ailing mother.
Under the law, Harris could have been sentenced to a maximum of 70 years in prison and a fine of $1.75 million.
No fine was levied because Bramlette determined Harris was not in a position to pay a fine.
Harris will be allowed to serve his sentence in Yazoo City as to be close to his Jefferson County home.
Comments
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe he does know the Binkster.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JAMMIN1 you start my day off... with a good laugh lol Thanks.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You are quite welcome destiny. I figure he's making that last dash for the cash before he get the royal boot.
Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I figure that's why Binkey is so busy now and can't di his paperwork making the last few withdrawals form the countys money
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Or feeding the last incriminating files to his dog.
Posted by silly_willy_24_7 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
where is supertrucker on this issue, I haven't seen him on here in a while.
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
maybe his/her Caps Lock key quit working ;-)
Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TOO FUNNY ROCKETMAN! I couldn't resist that one!
Posted by mwhittington (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
that is funny.... I can't really say I miss him though... I did for a bit... but jeez he was something... (is that nice enough) I totally agree with csguidry. This is ridiculous.
Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can tell you the last time trucker weighed in his very LOUD opinion was on October 1. ANytime I need a good laugh I just type in his screen name and do a search. He is ALWAYS good for a chuckle.
Posted by mwhittington (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
you are soooo right.
Posted by mwhittington (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sometimes I get tired of scratching my head.... lmao : )
Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm wondering if they filed the necessary paperwork to have Harris removed from his office? Why didn't Adams couty ask Binkey to resign after he was found guilty? Sounds like the logical thing to do, but who is asking me anything huh.lol
Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A circuit clerk doesn't have to resign until sentencing. The judge refused to accept Binkey's plea and thefore he wasn'
t sentrenced. SLAP ON THE WRIST!
More like SLAP IN THE FACE. I do not understand how a judge can refuse to accept someone's guilty plea. He basically told Binkey. "Hey we all make mistakes. I don;'t care what you did. Go steal some more money. It will be okay." It so is NOT okay. That judge should have to sever tome himself for allowing a theif to return to steal more money.
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think I saw supertrucker a few days ago. He was the
lead truck in a convoy hauling the Binkster's stash
away.
Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wasn't he placed on probation? If so he was sentenced and should be asked to resign How many slaps in the face is it gonna take for Adams COunty to wake up and do something? Well that might be the right thing to do and alot of times our leaders make the wrong decisions entirely to many times....lol
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dottie HAHAHAHAHAHA IS that who that was? Bear I'm with you on that. He was sentenced to probation.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey family...another dumb kpage question...what is IMAO?
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Laughing my a** off.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank ya, jammin!
Breaker, breaker....where are ya gemccull? Got yur ears on? Thanks for the info. Why doesn't the Demo remind us concerned citizens? I guess the story wasn't about him.
Hey dottie! trucker is a truckster. Where is he today? He obviously doesn't have his ears on, either. Must be haulin', aye dottie?
Posted by superman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't you have something constructive to do other than worry about what is going on in Jefferson County? If Binkey can stay in office in Natchez. Mr. Harris can stay in office in Fayette until January. For all of you who don't know him, he is a decent man who made a mistake. We (Jefferson County) forigive him. While you are worrying about Mr. Harris, you need to do something with all of that crime in Natchez. Everyday I pick up the paper, somebody has shot or killed someone. Take care of Natchez and leave Jefferson County business to us.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's constructive to be concerned about all of our neighbors. It's called human compassion. Or just plain interest. Why not comment on J.County and Mr. Harris? It is news and this is an opinion forum. Let us know what Natchez can do about it's crime problem. Tell us how J. County has managed to lower its crime rate. No, wait a minute, it HASN'T lowered its crime rate. My bad.
Posted by fay2ntz (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kpage Please, please speak with understanding. Jefferson
County's crime rate does not even compare to what is going on right here in our town. Our municipal courts are full, circuit courts are full, and most importantly our youth court is full so please lets, as residents of Natchez, take care of Natchez. Also, on yesterday the new clerk, Mr. Harried, was in the clerk's office. Mr. Harris was there only to remove some of his personal items that he had brought into the office througout the years for example his own desk, pictures, and etc. Let's not always take all news so literally.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
fay, no offense, but did you see superman's post? He brought up the crime rate thing and I responded. If we were to ignore our neighbor's problems, they would feel as though we didn't care about them. If I saw a problem with the "family next door" and and kept quiet (after all, I have enough of my own problems) what would happen if tragedy struck? I would feel terrible for turning a blind eye. Lots of criminal activity persists because few are willing to help their neighbor. Thanks for your post fay.
Posted by Brother2Brother (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Harris has 72 hours by law to remove his personal belongings from that office. But Mr. Harris had to contact the board of supervisors to schedule a meeting to submitt his resignation. again if you don't the policy and procedures of the law or that office Please ask.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Isn't Ntz also the county seat? For those who don't know what that is, it's like the capital of the county. That means not everything in the court system occured inside the city. Some things come through from other counties too. Like Jefferson. So that means we can be interested in what happens anywhere the news comes from.
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you know, jammin1, you are really an intelligent person. I'm impressed, not that that means anything.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you rocketman,I'll try to live up to that. HAHA But really it's just common sense. I wish more ppl would use it.
Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Me and you both!
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jammin1: no, really...you stand up for what you believe (regardless of whether I agree with all you say, thats irrelivent)but you DO use logic and reason and know right from wrong. You don't just vent based on your emotions.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm no Vulcan. I get angry, but I learned along time ago, emotions only get in the way and cause ppl to say things that only adds fuel to whatever fire is already burning.
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sometimes a big bonfire isn't so bad.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That is true, but if you aren't careful it can get out of control. Then things get burned that shouldn't have. I try to keep a cool head and think before I act or speak. I am not always successful and occassionally have to remove a foot from my mouth. When I get it out, I admit my wrong and apologize. That way I sleep good every night.
Posted by mwhittington (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
amen jammin1
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
superman leave kpage alone. Pick on me, I'm gettin use to it.
Posted by fay2ntz (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Okay kpage. But what about what's happening in Wilkinson County right now with the election situation. Or what about Franklin County? If you all are so interested in what happens in surrounding counties then let's just keep it moving, okay.
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is'nt it much better around here when ppl get along???
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What is going on in Wilkinson Co. politics stinks
and I've so before. I've commented with interest each
time it has appeared in the paper. I wish the Democrat kept us better informed. If anything went on
in Franklin Co. I would be interested as well. When
I lived in Natchez the city and Fayette pretty well
ran together so how can we not be interested in Jefferson Co.
Posted by seeemeeego (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Until he is removed from office, an elected official is still collecting salary and fees paid to the office, etc. This goes for Mr. Harris and Mr. Vines. So, thus far, they both are still "on the payroll" so to speak.
Posted by brod (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We should keep up with news and concerns from neighboring counties. After all, crooks and criminals are like roaches and tree bugs, they migrate quickly. They'll leave home and move next door to you.
Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gosh all of a sudden ppl appeared again. jammins lookong for you guys.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey...pokin' my head in for a minute. I wish we heard more info from our other neighbors, fay. I worry about our world first, then our country, county or parish, and city, then neighborhood. Above all is family.
Wilkinson Co. will probably turn out like the Ferriday voter fraud situation. They'll excuse the misdeeds of some, point the finger at others. Nothing seems to be fair in this world anymore.....dammit.
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
astrid I hope you folks will go to NATCHEZ MAN SHOT
and read the post I just left. WHEW FUNNY,FUNNY. i'M
HAVING A BALL ALL OVER AGAIN. I got behind in the posts but I want to go on record as being a big NASCAR fan. My man was Rusty Wallace and I don't have
a favorite since he retired. Going to Talladega and
meeting the drivers was great. Yes it was loud, hot,
smelly, crowded, crazy & everything good. I won't
voice my opinion on the drivers because some of you
have favorites. I also enjoy football, baseball and
all other sports. I just wanted to throw my 2cents in. Think I've caught up to the rest of you now.
Posted by halla (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We all have a right to be concerned about the universe, our country, our states, our counties and our communities. The biggest problem is that we are not concerned enough, we allow our legistlatures to make and uphold some of these ridiculous laws....what about the laws we don't know about? Our political system needs an upgrade. While we are focusing on binkey and harris, what are the other 80 circuit clerks in mississippi doing? Nothing? Don't the have the same access as binkey and harris? I heard there are other states in the union that also have circuit clerk positions the same way.
u can fool some of the people some of the time, but u can't fool all of the people all the time. holler
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on October 20, 2007 at 7:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Scandal sells, tim. I'm just as guilty as most when I read scandalous stories. This story oozes with it. Looking forward to seeing what the others say on this story.
Hope your trip to OKC went well. You and my boyfriend have bike injuries in common. I've realized that yall are going to ride your bikes into your sunset years and there is nothing we can do but holler, "Be careful". Just have fun, above all and enjoy life.
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