Hinds County Election Officer Pleads Guilty to Misuse of Non-profit Funds

WJSU | By Cynthia Maxie Milton

Published January 10, 2023 at 10:34 PM CST

A Hinds county election official has pleaded guilty to misappropriating funds received from Mark Zuckerberg’s non-profit. District Two election commissioner, Toni Johnson pleaded guilty to embezzlement Monday. The state auditor’s office says Johnson used Covid19 funds to purchase two 85-inch televisions and personal protective equipment, she had delivered to her personal address. Johnson waited until the last minute to make the plea deal. Her plea came after jury selection for her trial got under way. With the plea, she eludes what could have been decades of jail time. In exchange for her plea, the state is recommending Johnson be sentenced to 20 years with 15 suspended and five served in a supervised probation program. She will also have to pay restitution. According to the state auditor's office, Johnson, used COVID-19 funds from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, a nonprofit organization funded by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The Hinds County District Attorney prosecuted the case.

Cynthia Maxie Milton

Cynthia Milton has had a lifelong love for the arts, the art of communication and business. This multiple award winning journalist is a powerful voice in the state of Mississippi. Her rich warm voice has endeared her to thousands of listeners. She can be heard every morning serving as the local host of NPR's Morning Edition. She is also the host and producer of the Candid Conversations talk show, which won a first place award from the prestigious Mississippi Association of Broadcasters within its first six months of production. Ms. Milton has also been cited for awards by the Louisiana and Mississippi Associated Press organizations. In addition, Milton is an international Amazon best selling author having co-authored the anthology, Your Faith Will Make You Unstoppable with dynamic women leaders from across the globe. She is a founding member of the international business women's organization Women Collaborating Together, which works to support, encourage and mentor women across the globe. Ms. Milton doesn't just speak, she also is a professional singer. Milton has lent her vocal ability and acting skills to several independent film projects.

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