State Auditor Shad White has taken legal action against former NFL quarterback Brett Favre, seeking repayment of the $1.1 million he had received in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds. White has filed a countersuit to recover both the interest and principal amount.
Last February, Favre filed a lawsuit against White, accusing him of defamation. A book written by White, who was previously represented in the case filed with the Hinds County Circuit Court last year, caused Attorney General Lynn Fitch to drop him as a client. The book contained information that raised doubts about the authority of her office.
According to Mississippi’s Constitution and laws, it is the responsibility of the State Auditor to safeguard taxpayer interests and ensure the complete collection of all public funds received by Mr. Favre from Nancy New and John Davis. In a press release on Monday, White stated that Mr. Favre’s defamation suit lacks merit and presents an opportunity to recover the principal and interest that Mr. Favre neglected to repay.
In a recent development, a counter claim has been filed on Monday, urging the court to demand repayment from Favre. The amount in question is a substantial $729,790, which includes both principal and interest. These funds are part of a larger sum of $1.1 million in welfare funds.
In a recent press release, White revealed that his office had uncovered “illegal” transfers to Favre during a previous investigation. As a result, White has demanded that Favre repay the amount in 2021. Favre has acknowledged his mistake, however, he has not fully settled the outstanding balance.
In February of 2023, a lawsuit was filed by Favre, a former Southern Miss and star NFL football player. The lawsuit was in response to comments made on social media by White, which questioned Favre’s character and the ongoing civil case against him in the state.
In 2023, Favre was included among 38 defendants in a civil case filed by the Mississippi Department of Human Service. The case aimed to recover approximately $77 million in misspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds. Notably, $5 million of these funds were allocated for the construction of a new volleyball stadium at the University of Southern Mississippi.
In 2022, Nancy and Zachary New, two additional defendants in the case, entered guilty pleas on multiple charges. These charges include bribing a public official, fraud against the government, and wire fraud, among others.
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