The exchanges shed light on a larger scandal that began after Davis exploited his agency’s nonexistent bid process for federal block grants that came with virtually no federal oversight. “You can go ahead and tell them I will be reaching out to fund them. “Yes sir we can definitely help,” Davis replied to his boss in one instance. New communication obtained by Mississippi Today shows Bryant asking Davis about funding for specific vendors - encouraging Davis to pre-select grant awards - and the director eagerly complying. Behind his support for valid programs, Bryant’s requests also served to placate a campaign donor and the agriculture school, one of the state’s most powerful lobbies. The examples also show how then-MDHS director John Davis cut corners and skirted guidelines to further his own agenda and to try to satisfy the aims of former Gov. The problem is not with the worthiness of the recipients but with how officials awarded the grants in violation of federal regulations, the auditors say. Martin Center at Mississippi State University that helps children with dyslexia learn to read. The tidal wave of alleged misspending identified by auditors at the Mississippi Department of Human Services was not confined to the headline-grabbing payments for publicity events with famous athletes, inspirational talks from a former pro-wrestler and construction of a new volleyball stadium.Īuditors say some disputed payments also included grants to established programs, such as the T.K.

Two Struck Images by Phillip Bryant