Former Nixa worker pleads guilty to theft

A former Nixa city employee pleaded guilty Aug. 27 in federal court to a series of mail fraud and money laundering schemes totaling more than $750,000.

David Griggs, of Willard, was a utility worker for Nixa from October 2004 to February 2009. According to the charges, Griggs and co-conspirators used two fictitious businesses - Airborne Specialist and Tri-State Supply - to bill the city's street department for more than $270,000 in goods and services that were never provided.

When the city mailed checks payable to the businesses at two post office boxes set up by Griggs, the conspirators split the proceeds.

Griggs pleaded guilty to charges in a May 14 federal indictment, including conspiracy to commit mail fraud, theft from an organization receiving federal funds, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to a news release from the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.

He faces up to 50 years in federal prison, plus a fine of up to $1 million and restitution. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

By pleading guilty, Griggs also agrees to forfeit any property obtained from the illegal activities, including $756,010 and a 1999 Dutchman travel trailer.

The case was investigated by the Nixa Police Department, the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation.

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