NATCHEZ — A dozen people charged with embezzlement were arraigned Thursday, a return visit after Judge Forest “Al” Johnson told them Aug. 30 to try to find attorneys.

Three had attorneys, and Johnson appointed attorneys for the rest, most of whom said they could not afford an attorney.

All were allowed to remain free on $5,000 bond each, and a court date was set for Nov. 14.

The 12 joined five others who were arraigned Aug. 30 on like charges.

All 16 are linked with James Coleman, indicted on charges of 16 counts of embezzlement in August. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Aug. 30 and remained out of jail on $80,000 bond.

According to the indictment, Coleman is charged with acting in concert with each of the 16 indicted to embezzle money from Mississippi River Corp., a paper recycling plant near the county port facility.

Coleman resigned in August from his position on the Natchez-Adams School Board and the city’s civil service commission.

Along with Coleman, the following people face charges of one count of embezzlement each:

4Richard Curtis

4Edwin Hardin

4John White

4Gary Kingsberry

4Charles Walker

4Joseph Simms

4Larry Davis

4Linda Young

4Melvin Davis

4Johnell Jarvis

4Donald Green

4Benny Williams

4Deloris Simms Johnson

4Wesley Snell

4Sebastian Johnson