OCEAN SPRINGS, MS — Controversy surrounding the Securix camera ticketing program continues to stir questions about transparency and accountability in Ocean Springs. On Monday, the city said it would hire an outside law firm to investigate allegations of conflicts by City Attorney Robert Wilkinson, but at least one elected official says that move will not pass muster.
Wilkinson and former Police Chief Mark Dunston have both admitted to having financial interests in Securix, the company Ocean Springs contracted to use cameras for issuing fines to uninsured motorists. The duo presented the program to the city, but several Board of Aldermen members have confirmed they were not made aware of the personal financial ties the gentlemen had to the company.
Wilkinson represented Securix throughout the region, while Dunston was put on the Securix payroll making $5,000 a month, according to Securix Chairman Jonathon Miller. Securing Ocean Springs as the model city was paramount to their efforts in signing up new cities across the state. This was made evident by the March 2022 minutes of a Senatobia, MS Board of Aldermen meeting, where Wilkinson and business partner Josh Gregory repeatedly referenced Ocean Springs in their sales pitch.
The program was later discontinued in Ocean Springs, due to system failures and accusations of gross conflicts of interest.
Mayor Expands on Statements
On January 7th, Mayor Kenny Holloway addressed concerns many in the city have regarding the controversy. “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.”
GC Wire asked the mayor to expand on those comments. Specifically, he was asked what city resources were being used. Since there have been no agenda items mentioning outside counsel, the mayor was asked if the city attorney has been tasked with investigating himself.
“No, the current City Attorney is not conducting the investigation regarding Securix and the City of Ocean Springs,” spokesperson Ravin Nettles wrote in an email. “Once the City has selected a law firm, you’ll see it on the agenda.”
Elected Official Questions Investigation’s Independence
Alderman Rickey Authement expressed skepticism about the city’s decision to hire a law firm to investigate Wilkinson’s role. When asked via text message if he felt the city hiring a law firm will result in an unbiased investigation, Authement firmly responded, “No, sir.”
The Ward 2 Alderman said that he plans to publicly voice his concerns at the upcoming February 4th Board of Aldermen meeting.
Attempts to Silence
Since articles began surfacing explaining the alleged conflicts of interest, Wilkinson, along with business partner Josh Gregory, have made attempts to mute the conversation. Emails and letters have been sent to media outlets from law firms representing Wilkinson and Gregory, each threatening legal action and demanding retractions for accurate reporting.
Gregory also serves as campaign consultant to Mayor Holloway.
Read More About the Securix Scandal in Ocean Springs
FOLLOW THE MONEY: City Attorney and Police Chief’s Secret Payouts Exposed
Mayor: ‘Serious Situation’ Regarding City Attorney Securix Controversy
‘I Didn’t Know’: Mayor Attempts to Rewrite History, Evidence Says Otherwise
