Arraignments for local officials held in Gibson County, both accused of misappropriating funds

TRENTON, Tenn. — Two separate arraignments for local officials were held at Gibson County Circuit Court Wednesday.

FORMER BOOKKEEPER ACCUSED OF MISMANAGING NEARLY $167,000

Court began at 9 am. with Melissa Spraggins.

Spraggins, who served as the Crockett County Mayor’s full time bookkeeper, is accused of misappropriation of at least $167,458.62 worth of county funds between May 2013 and April 2024.

Spraggins, who was represented by Attorney Justin Jones, pleaded not guilty.

Senior judge Mark Ward of Memphis was the judge appointed by the Supreme Court for the arraignment of Spraggins.

“The parties will continue to exchange discoveries and we’ll see where we are and we’ll have a much better idea on September 11,” said Judge Ward.

The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office was present along with the family of Spraggins.

Her court date was rescheduled to Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 9 a.m. in Crockett County.

GIBSON COUNTY SHERIFF PAUL THOMAS PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Arraignment for Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas was also held today at 10 a.m.

Thomas’s attorney, William Massey, was accompanied by Attorney Catalina Goodwin.

Thomas pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Judge Ward stated that he would give the attorneys time to review the material.

“We need dates that we can commit to in advance and not interfere with yall’s schedule,” said .

It was made known in the courtroom that Thomas’s attorney, William Massey, also represents a former Memphis police officer in the Tyre Nichols trial.

Sheriff Thomas’s next court date is scheduled for October 22, 2024 at 10 a.m.

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