January 10th, 2008
Former City School Board Member, Michael Hooks, Jr., Pleads Guilty to
Embezzling
Property from the Shelby County Juvenile Court Clerk's Office
Memphis, TN - Former Memphis City School Board Member, Michael Hooks, Jr., pleaded guilty to violating 18 U.S.C. § 666. This announcement was made today by David Kustoff, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, and My Harrison, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Memphis Division.
Mr. Hooks was indicted in this matter on June 20, 2006 as part of Operation Tennessee Waltz. Tennessee Waltz is an investigation of public corruption of state and local government officials.
After today’s hearing, United States Attorney David Kustoff stated, “The investigation and prosecution of public corruption in the Western District of Tennessee remains a top priority of the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office. The citizens of Shelby County and West Tennessee should have the assurance that their public officials conduct the business of the people within the confines of the law.”
The case against Mr. Hooks was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is a part of the United States Attorney’s Office continuing effort to investigate and prosecute matters involving public corruption.
The case against Hooks was prosecuted by Timothy R. DiScenza and Lorraine Craig, Assistant United States Attorneys with the Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
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