SOUTHAVEN, MS (abc24.com) - Another day, another problem for Southaven Mayor Greg Davis. State auditor investigators were back in town this week, this time seizing computers from Southaven City Hall.
Investigators showed up at city hall Tuesday morning and left with two computers belonging to the city. One was the mayor's office laptop, the other, his assistant's computer.
"The mayor, as you know, was not in. They asked if his computer was here and I told them I believed it was. They asked me to retrieve it, which I did, and they took possession of it," says Chris Wilson, Southaven's Chief Administrative Officer.
It was one of many visits the auditor's office paid to Southaven City Hall over the past year, but sources tell abc24.com this was the first time investigators seized public property.
"Wow, I didn't know all that," says William Singleton.
"Oh my goodness," says Linda Rowland. "I think if they probe they'll probably find a lot more. A lot more."
The auditor's office confirms the computers are evidence in the criminal probe of Davis. They're examining how $170,000 of city money was spent.
"If there's evidence on the computers they should take it," says Diane Frederick. "So they can prove whatever they have against him."
At this week's board meeting, Southaven's aldermen made their first public comments on Davis' spending.
Alderman Ronnie Hale read this statement to the public:
"While a handful expenses were deemed to be business related, the majority, in our opinion, and each alderman has their own opinion on this, were personal in nature and did not meet requirements for reimbursement."
Hale says he only signed off on six of the roughly 500 pages in receipts Davis collected. They total $44,000 spent primarily on expensive dinners, thousands in tips, and at least $18,000 in alcohol.
"We were surprised by some actions," says Hale. "We were taken back by some of the things that have been brought out."
"He knew better," says Rowland. "He knew better. Everybody knows better. If it's not your money, then it's not your money."
"All of it is just allegations right now," says Frederick. "But if it's all true and he did that, then he should step down. He's representing Mississippi. It doesn't look good on us if he abused the system like that."
Davis has paid the state $96,000. He still owes at least $74,000.
The mayor is off on vacation, and abc24.com asked several people at city hall when he's expected to return. No one was able to answer that question.
