Biloxi city official Cliff Kirkland resigns from job

Biloxi city official Frederick Cliff Kirkland has resigned from his job, a city news release says.

Kirkland had been on personal leave with pay pending the outcome of a criminal case accusing him of molesting a minor.

Kirkland has worked for three mayors in his 30-year association with Biloxi, and most recently served as the city’s chief of innovation and economic development under Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich.

“This has been shocking and sad for everyone,” Gilich said late Friday. “The city of Biloxi needs to move forward, and I am accepting this resignation. As mayor, I will always put the city of Biloxi’s interest first, and at the same time allow justice and due process to both the accused and victim. I will brief the city council further on Monday.”

Kirkland’s arrest came in the aftermath of an ongoing investigation into a Dec. 13 complaint about a person inappropriately touching a child in the 100 block of Thomas Street. Justice Court Judge Bruce Strong had set Kirkland’s bond at a total or $200,000 following his arrest Tuesday night.

This story was originally published December 20, 2019 at 5:23 PM.