Mississippi children's home director was fired after arrest. Who's in charge now?
The board of directors for the Homes of Hope for Children terminated former director Michael Garrett's employment after he was arrested last week and charged with possession of illegal drugs and procuring prostitution.
"In light of recent events, the Board of Directors of Homes of Hope for Children has assumed full control of the ministry," the board wrote in a Facebook post. "Michael Garrett … is no longer affiliated with the organization."
Garrett, 46, of Purvis, was arrested Thursday on two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one charge of procuring prostitution. He was arrested again Saturday night and charged with another charge of drug possession.
Michael GarrettMississippi children's home director was arrested again. This time, his bond's revoked
The board members went on to say the Homes of Hope for Children is under court supervision. Board president Richard Giannini was named interim executive director.
"The welfare of the children is being provided for by the board and the houseparents," board members said.
The board is comprised of five members: Giannini, Missy Akins, Fred Hatten, Mimi Lowrey, Debbie Sanford and Valerie Wilson.
Garrett was founder and director of the organization, which opened its first home for boys in 2010. Homes of Hope reported more than $1.5 million in gross receipts and nearly $5 million in assets, according to GuideStar.org.
The organization operates a number of homes on a remote compound in Lamar County where house parents care for up to eight foster children in each home. Homes of Hope also has transitional housing for children who age out of the foster care system.
As a youth, Garrett spent seven years in a similar Christian children's home in Louisiana.
Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.
This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Mississippi children's home director fired; interim director appointed
