Today, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Secretary of State Michael Watson, and State Treasurer David McRae, along with U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger (Southern District, Mississippi), U.S. Attorney Scott Leary (Northern District, Mississippi), and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff, helped launch the new Southeast Regional Fraud Enforcement Partnership. This federal-state partnership, organized through the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, also includes officials from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina, in a coordinated effort to fight fraud.
"President Trump has challenged all of us to step up our efforts to fight fraud and
protect American taxpayers from this grift,” said Attorney General Fitch. “Partnerships like this one show that we are bringing everything to the table in this work. In that spirit, with the support of the U.S. Department of Justice, my office is standing up Joint Task Force Vigilance with our two U.S. Attorneys and the FBI to surge resources and personnel to make Mississippi safer, protect Mississippi taxpayers, and restore law and order. This first-of-its kind task force will bring the full authority of our offices to bear on con artists, grifters, fraudsters, and scammers."
"Thanks to the diligent work of our team at the Secretary of State's Office, we will continue to protect hardworking Mississippians," said Secretary of State Michael Watson. "I am grateful for this partnership as we combat fraud across Mississippi and the Southeast."
“Fraudsters don’t care about state lines, and neither should the people fighting them. This agreement gets investigators critical information sooner, giving us a better chance to stop fraud before a dime goes out the door," said State Treasurer David McRae. President Trump has declared war on waste, fraud, and abuse, and I’m proud to stand with his administration to hunt down fraudsters, protect taxpayers, and make Americans’ money safe again."
“Fraud is not a victimless crime. It undermines public trust, steals from taxpayers, and diverts resources from those who truly need them. By joining forces with our state and federal partners, we are strengthening our ability to investigate, prosecute, and hold accountable those who exploit government programs and prey on our communities. The Southern District of Mississippi is committed to continuing working to protect integrity and ensure that justice is served," said Baxter Kruger, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.
“As citizens of this great country, we have assumed the responsibility to help those in need. Every year, billions of dollars in taxpayer funds are utilized to accomplish this task. When the greedy seek to take those benefits from those who actually depend on them, they must be held accountable. It is my honor to work with the Mississippi Attorney General in seeking to redress benefits fraud. By working together, Federal and State law enforcement can contribute to making Mississippi a more wonderful place to live," said Scott Leary, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi.
"Fraud undermines public trust and can have devastating financial and emotional consequences for victims. Combating these crimes requires strong partnerships and collaboration. By working in lockstep with our state and federal law enforcement partners, we strengthen our capacity to identify emerging threats; proactively disrupt criminal schemes; and hold accountable those who seek to defraud the public. Together, we remain committed to protecting Mississippi and the greater Southeast region by ensuring justice in served, safeguarding victims, and protecting our communities," said Robert Eikhoff, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Field Office.
For more information or to book an interview, please contact Brittany Comins at press@treasury.ms.gov.
