OKTIBBEHA COUNTY — A jury in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court on Thursday acquitted a former training officer for Starkville Fire Department accused of felony embezzlement.
Clarence Parks was arrested in May 2022 following a police investigation sparked by complaints from inside and outside SFD. He was accused of using a city-owned vehicle to travel to unapproved locations outside of Starkville.
Parks had been employed with the fire department for about two years before he resigned weeks ahead of the arrest.
The jury deliberated for roughly two hours before returning the not guilty verdict, 16th Circuit District Attorney Scott Colom told The Dispatch.
“We respect the jury’s decision,” Colom said. “It’s important to listen and learn as the jury tells you what they need for prosecution. So we respect their decision and appreciate their service.”
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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