Opinion ID: 487784
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Active or Deliberate Dishonesty or Fraud

Text: 47 As set out above, the policy did not cover losses due to active or deliberate dishonesty or fraud. We also point out briefly that this provision barred recovery by Richardson against Forum. For this reason, also, Forum owes Richardson no funds that the County can obtain by garnishment. Four state indictments charged that Richardson did wilfully, unlawfully and feloniously defraud Hinds County ... by the wilful omission of [his] duties.... Richardson pleaded guilty in state court to the crimes of wilful neglect of duties and embezzlement. Miss.Code Ann. Secs. 97-11-25 through 97-11-31 proscribe various forms of embezzlement (Sec. 97-11-31 is a general catch-all section), and Sec. 97-11-37 forbids a tax collector wilfully to neglect his duties. Richardson's pleas of guilty to these crimes established that he committed active or deliberate dishonesty or fraud, which forecloses recovery under Forum's policy.