Shannon Wilburn, former Benton County Tax Assessor, was arrested recently on one count of embezzlement in public office.

Wilburn is accused of taking more than $300,000 in daily collections paid to the Benton County Tax Collector’s office for his personal use.

“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,” said State Auditor Shad White.

Wilburn faces up to $5,000 in fines and 20 years if convicted.

A $200,000 surety bond covers Wilburn’s employment as the Benton County Tax Assessor. Surety bonds are similar to insurance designed to protect taxpayers from corruption. Benton County also has an insurance policy that covers theft.

Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office online by clicking the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours.