MDOT employee is arrested and accused of stealing more than $20K worth of wire in South MS

Authorities arrested a Mississippi Department of Transportation employee this week who police say took thousands of dollars worth of wire from the state agency.

Cody J. Ware, 36, of Gulfport was arrested Wednesday. He is charged with one count of embezzlement.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that its deputies went on Nov. 27 to the MDOT office on Highway 49 in Saucier. They were informed that Ware, an employee, allegedly took $22,000 worth of wire, the news release said.

Deputies arrested Ware on a warrant at his home.

It is unclear what role Ware held at MDOT, how long he worked there or whether he has been fired. An MDOT spokesperson declined to comment on an active investigation.

Ware was booked Wednesday afternoon into the Harrison County jail on a $15,000 bond. Jail records show he posted bond and was released Wednesday evening.

Ware could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 if he is convicted of felony embezzlement.

This story was originally published December 12, 2024 at 8:33 AM.