Special agents with the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office have arrested a former Benton County Tax Assessor on charges of embezzlement in public office.

State Auditor Shad White announced that Shannon Wilburn allegedly embezzled more than $300,000 from daily collections paid to the Benton County Tax Collector’s office, diverting the funds for his personal use.

“The dedicated team at the State Auditor’s Office will continue to work closely with prosecutors to get record results, one case at a time,” said White.

If convicted, Wilburn faces up to 20 years in prison and fines totaling $5,000.

The State Auditor’s Office encourages anyone with information on suspected fraud to report it online at www.osa.ms.gov by clicking the red button or by calling 1-800-321-1275 during normal business hours.