John Davis, a former executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, pleaded guilty Thursday to two federal charges in the ongoing lawsuit for his role in the state’s welfare scandal that involves NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.
Davis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal loans and one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Davis is slated to be sentenced Feb. 2, 2023, and his charges carry a maximum of 15 years in prison. The 54-year-old, who served as executive director from February 2016 to July ’19, helped funnel at least $5 million in federal welfare money toward improper projects that include the creation of a new volleyball facility at Southern Miss, Favre’s alma mater. His daughter plays for the school’s volleyball team.
