Date set for Jackson man's trial on kickback charges

The Jackson man charged with felony stealing for allegedly swindling $500,000 from a Sikeston, Mo.-based company will stand trial this summer.

Jason Mitchell allegedly appropriated money that belonged to the landscaping materials firm DeWitt Co. into his own bank account while he was an employee there.

Mitchell had been directed by his employers to purchase materials for the company through textile company KT America at the lowest possible price, according to a lawsuit stemming from the alleged kickbacks.

Mitchell allegedly collaborated with KT America employee Rajiv Toprani and kept purchasing items from the company at whatever price the two chose and received back into the fraudulent account a percentage of the purchase price. Mitchell allegedly "doctored the books" to cover up the kickbacks in exchange for a percentage of the money. The kickback varied according to what fabric was purchased and Toprani's profit margin, but averaged around 3 percent of the price, according to court records.

Toprani also faced a stealing charge, but that was dropped in April when he agreed to testify against Mitchell.

Mitchell's trial will begin June 19 in Cape Girardeau County.

Pertinent address:

100 Court St., Jackson, MO

905 S. Kingshighway, Sikeston, MO