Mississippi News

State accepts guilty pleas from Nancy and Zach New in welfare case

Published

3 years ago

April 26, 2022

State accepts guilty pleas from Nancy and Zach New in welfare case

by Julia James, Mississippi Today
April 26, 2022

The state accepted the guilty pleas of Nancy and Zach New in Mississippi’s sprawling welfare scandal on Tuesday — a move that makes their agreement to cooperate with prosecutors and testify against their co-defendants official.

The News had submitted their guilty pleas for the state charges last week.

Nancy New, a 69-year-old former educator, is pleading guilty to four counts of bribing a public official, two counts of fraud against the government, six counts of wire fraud and one count of racketeering. Her deal comes with a total maximum sentence of 100 years, but prosecutors have recommended that the state sentence her to equal or lesser time than her federal sentence, once federal sentencing has occurred.

In other words, state prosecutors recommend Nancy New serve her entire sentence in federal prison — allowing her to avoid serving time in the more barbaric state prisons — and serve no additional time for the state charges above what she serves in the federal case. She pleaded guilty in the federal case earlier last week to one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years.

Zach New, the 39-year-old vice president of his mother’s nonprofit, pleaded guilty to the same charges, minus racketeering and one less count of wire fraud. State prosecutors have offered him the same deal to serve only the number of years he receives in the separate federal case. He pleaded guilty in the federal case to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which comes with a maximum sentence of five years.

Prosecutors split off Zach’s charge in a separate bill of information, a document that is filed when a defendant agrees to plead guilty without the grand jury handing down an indictment, to ensure that Zach would be able to serve his time in federal prisons.

Both Nancy and Zach New have agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testify against their co-defendants. Both state and federal criminal investigations are ongoing and could result in charges against additional people, sources close to the probes say.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Zelenskyy, Trump express hope for talks with Putin to end war

Published

3 days ago

August 18, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-08-18 11:02:00

SUMMARY: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump met with European leaders at the White House to discuss potential three-party peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Trump expressed support for NATO-like security guarantees for Ukraine but stopped short of committing U.S. troops. Zelenskyy showed openness to talks, emphasizing the need for lasting peace and a strong Ukrainian army. European leaders seek durable security assurances and pressure on Russia to cease fighting. Discussions followed Trump’s recent meeting with Putin, who reportedly demands control of the entire Donbas, a condition Zelenskyy rejects as unconstitutional.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 15-17

Published

6 days ago

August 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-08-15 07:04:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (August 15-17) in Mississippi offers diverse events across Central Mississippi and the Pine Belt. In Jackson, enjoy GrooveFest, JR Blu’s soulful music, the JSU Athletics Fan Fest, and exhibitions like Hurricane Katrina: Mississippi Remembers and Measurement Rules at the Children’s Museum. Pearl hosts the Mississippi Mud Monsters with fireworks and family fun. Ridgeland features wildflower fields, racing events, and a Back to School Bash. Hattiesburg celebrates with the PRVO 60th Gala, a Percy Jackson trivia night, and the Southern Soul Rising Stars Tour. Laurel presents The Color Purple musical and a cornhole tournament. Farmers markets and family-friendly activities abound statewide.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 1-3

Published

3 weeks ago

August 1, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-08-01 07:06:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (August 1-3) in Mississippi offers diverse activities across the state. In Central Mississippi, enjoy Latin music and salsa at Fondren Fiesta in Jackson, family fun at 042 Nights in Brandon, food trucks in Byram, art exhibitions in Natchez and Jackson, and farmers markets in Jackson, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Special events include hurricane remembrance, back-to-school drives, and community wellness fairs. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg hosts Denim & Diamonds Casino Night, live music, themed balls, 5K fundraisers, and movie screenings. Laurel offers karaoke, art workshops, and a family farmers market. Activities cater to all ages, promoting culture, health, and community engagement.

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