After a long investigation by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Jarrod Ravencraft (ex-public affairs director at MDOT) and Selena Standifer (ex-deputy public affairs director at MDOT), were indicted in Hinds County on embezzlement charges. Ravencraft, 49 years old, is accused in connection with converting more than $10,000 worth of gift cards to his personal use while working for MDOT. On Wednesday, he surrendered to police. He could spend up to 20 years prison if he is convicted. Standifer, 40 years old, is accused in December 2015 of using MDOT gift cards for her personal use. Standifer was taken into custody on Friday. She is currently out on bond. She could spend up to 20 years prison term if she is convicted. According to people familiar with the investigation, the attorney general’s investigation focused on gift cards that were to have been distributed to Mississippi public school students as a reward for completing an MDOT safety education program. According to indictments, the distribution of gift cards was overseen by the MDOT public affairs department. This is the agency’s public messaging, advertising and public relations. Melinda McGrath, MDOT’s Executive Director, stated Wednesday that leaders in the department initiated an internal investigation after discovering evidence of financial misconduct. McGrath stated that MDOT reached out to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and handed over all evidence. “The AG’s Office reviewed the evidence and conducted an inquiry to determine the severity of the violations. McGrath stated that the AG’s investigation resulted in two former employees being indicted by a grand jury. MDOT took this matter seriously and has strengthened its internal controls to prevent similar misconduct in the future. MDOT thanks the AG’s office for their prompt and thorough investigation and willingness to see the investigation through to an indictment.” Ravencraft abruptly left MDOT in July 2018. Hinds County court records reveal that Ravencraft was the plaintiff in three lawsuits, including two eviction suits and one collection suit.