Coast mayor charged with embezzlement

WAVELAND — Authorities say longtime Waveland Mayor Tommy Longo has been charged with embezzlement, The Associated Press reports.

Alderwoman Lily Stahler says the three-term Democrat was charged Jan. 22, though she had few details.

Stahler says it appears the charge is related to fuel use and not Hurricane Katrina money, which has poured into the coastal town since it was nearly washed away by the 2005 storm.

The mayor’s office referred calls to city attorney Zack Butterworth. A man in Butterworth’s office said Butterworth wasn’t available and refused to take a message for him and said to call back later.

Stahler said she’s not sure what the board will do. She said the accusation may not be grounds for removal from office without a conviction.

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