Charges filed against Gautier mayor are dismissed

Charges of public drunk and disturbance of the peace against Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan were dismissed in Justice Court on Wednesday.

Cameron McCormick, an attorney for Vaughan said the charges were brought by Linda Anderson, the wife of Councilman Rusty Anderson stemming from an incident during the Sam Hunt concert at The Sound amphitheater in Gautier on September 6, 2024.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Jackson County Justice Court Judge Danny Guice III found that the allegations did not meet the necessary legal standards and expressed concern that they “appeared politically motivated rather than based on criminal conduct,” McCormick said in a email to media.

“I am grateful for the court’s careful consideration and its commitment to upholding the integrity of our legal system,” Vaughan said. “I remain fully dedicated to serving the people of Gautier with transparency, focus, and unwavering commitment, and I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen our community.”