A Mississippi coroner accused of fraud and lying about transporting bodies has pleaded guilty to the crimes.

The Office of the State Auditor announced Thursday that Quitman County coroner Randy Hester pleaded guilty to false representation to defraud the government and conspiracy to fraudulently obtain public funds. Brenda Pittman, Hester’s aunt, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the state as part of the scheme.

Hester and Pittman opened a bank account under a fictitious business they created called “MFC Transit.” Bank records listed Hester’s personal address as the business address for the account. He submitted invoices for transportation of bodies using the fake company and then charged the county for transporting bodies that were transported by other funeral homes, accordin

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