GREENVILLE (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Human Services followed proper procedures in investigating and bringing charges against Washington County Coroner Methel Johnson for food stamp fraud, the agency’s director says.

‘‘I have personally reviewed this case, and we have followed the proper procedures,’’ DHS executive director Don Taylor said in a statement released this past week.

Johnson, who was elected coroner last November, was arrested Jan. 28 by sheriff’s deputies. She was released on her own recognizance.

Taylor said DHS is examining food stamp cases to determine whether recipients are accurately disclosing information when they apply.

‘‘These arrests are part of MDHS’ continued effort to rid the state of those who wish to misuse and abuse taxpayer dollars,’’ Taylor said.

Johnson has denied the charges and said her arrest has left her ‘‘in shock.’’

Johnson said she has not received public assistance since 2006, and that she is unaware of any overpayment during the period in which she received food stamps.

‘‘If I would have been aware of this problem, I would have resolved it before this ever hit,’’ Johnson told the Delta Democrat Times newspaper in Greenville.

Johnson said DHS officials told her the alleged fraud totaled about $1,600 and occurred between March 2005 and March 2006.

Johnson said the DHS official also told her his office had sent her a letter explaining the charge against her — a letter which Johnson says she never received.

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Information from: Delta Democrat Times, Greenville, http://www.ddtonline.com