Utility Authority Director Indicted on 5 Federal Charges

Tuesday, Kamrin Pahlavan, former Director of the Harrison County Utility Authority, was indicted. Kickbacks, bribery, Saints tickets, and vehicles; according to an eight page indictment, these are all things the former director received in exchange for steering lucrative contracts through the Utility Authority to Gulfport contractor, Sean Anthony, owner of S.H. Anthony, Inc.

Pahlavan didn’t have anything to say. His attorney, Gail Nicholson, had no comment either as the two walked into court for Pahlavan’s arraignment on five federal charges. The former director faces five charges: conspiracy, bribery, honest service wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and false statement.

If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison and $1.25 million in fines. The charges stem from bribes and kickbacks he allegedly received from S.H. Anthony, Inc. The indictment reads, in part, that "Pahlavan would corruptly solicit, accept or agree to accept things of value from co-conspirator 1, Sean Anthony, that benefited Pahlavan and his family.”

Pahlavan pleaded not guilty to the five federal charges. News 25 has learned that a public auction is scheduled this Thursday to sell equipment owned by S.H. Anthony, Inc. Fuel tanks and trailers are among the equipment up for sale, however, News 25’s cameras captured video of people inspecting equipment Tuesday at the business just off Seaway Road. News 25 also spotted several company branded trailer beds leaving the site at high rates of speed.

As for Pahlavan, his bond has been set at $25,000. His trial is set for March 2nd of 2015 and a pre-trial hearing is scheduled for February 9th.