OCEAN SPRINGS, MS — During Tuesday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Kenny Holloway opened with a statement regarding the current issues surrounding the “Securix situation and our legal counsel,” marking the first time city leadership has publicly acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations uncovered by recent investigative reports.
The mayor’s prepared statement confirmed the gravity of the ethical concerns surrounding current City Attorney Robert Wilkinson and former Police Chief Mark Dunston, both of whom allegedly profited in secret from the city’s adoption of the controversial Securix ticketing program. While the mayor’s comments seemed to affirm there is much left to investigate, they fell short of informing the public of details pertaining to the investigation or the future of the city’s relationship with the City Attorney.
Mayor: This is Something We Take Very Seriously
“The city is aware of the current issues surrounding the Securix situation and our legal counsel,” Holloway said. “This is something we take very seriously and are devoting our resources to come to a prompt resolution.”
The mayor was referring to allegations brought to light by recent articles that appeared in GC Wire and the Ocean Springs Weekly Record.
At a 2021 Board of Aldermen meeting, the City Attorney and Police Chief jointly pitched the Securix program – a license plate reading camera system that issued citations to uninsured motorists. Elected officials voted unanimously to contract with Securix. However, the Board was unaware of the duo’s financial ties to the company they touted.
Both men recently acknowledged to GC Wire they were working for Securix during the roll out of the program – Wilkinson even earlier. Securix officials stated the Police Chief was making $5,000 per month and his personal assistant an additional $2,000 monthly. It is not yet confirmed how much the City Attorney earned during this time.
Mayor’s Statement: Acknowledgment Without Action
The mayor’s statement acknowledged the controversy and litigation involving Securix, but he avoided discussing the specific roles of Wilkinson and Dunston. Instead, he cited the legal complexities surrounding the issue and an inappropriateness to comment further at the moment.
“As the city navigates through these issues, we will respond publicly as proper,” Holloway said.
Public Reaction to the Investigation
GC Wire reports about former Police Chief Mark Dunston and City Attorney Robert Wilkinson have left many residents frustrated and calling for action.
“This is the most damaging evidence I’ve seen regarding city officials, and it seems like just the tip of the iceberg,” said Ward 1 candidate Steve Tillis. “It’s puzzling that the mayor and aldermen have not replaced the law firm representing the city in light of these issues. Our community deserves transparency and accountability, and it’s time for decisive action.”
Josh Thompson added, “Sounds to me like the citizens are owed some answers and some action needs to be taken.”
Former Congressional candidate Carl Boyanton pointed to a larger issue with enforcement in the state. “The problem here in Mississippi is there is no punishment for these violations. The ethics commission here will just give their opinion and pass it on. That’s the reason there is so much corruption in politics. Throw a few politicians in jail for ten years and they might get the message.”
Paul D. Mansfield shared a similar sentiment. “Again, a breach of public trust. Action must be taken to return transparency to city government.”
The community’s reaction shows a clear demand for accountability and a renewed focus on ethical leadership, with many questioning whether city officials are doing enough to address these issues.
Without a clear plan for accountability, the city risks further eroding the trust of the very residents it serves. For now, Ocean Springs residents are left waiting — not just for answers, but for leadership.
