A former Mississippi credit union executive has been hit with a federal lawsuit accusing her of misappropriating $95 million from her financial institution, which she allegedly used on real estate purchases and luxury items.
WAPT.com reports the lawsuit filed by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) alleges that Leigh Bridges, the former president and CEO of Jackson Area Federal Credit Union (JAFCU), admitted using the financial institution’s funds for personal use while concealing her transactions with fake entries. This occurred between Jan. 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
The lawsuit claims Bridges used the pilfered funds to renovate and furnish her home in Jackson, Mississippi, with fine art and a Steinway piano. She is also accused of using the JAFCU funds to buy two additional properties in the state and a third in Alabama.
The lawsuit alleges Bridges spent JAFCU money on two vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Porsche of Jackson; she also acquired a Tesla. Other funds were used to acquire jewelry and luxury handbags, with additional money funneled into a Coinbase Global account.
Bridges is also accused of transferring funds to her husband Chad Bridges’ personal credit union account, which the lawsuit claimed that she controlled. As of last month, Chad Bridges’ account held $1.38 million; it is now frozen pending the lawsuit’s outcome.
The 21-page complaint accused Bridges of eight counts, including false misrepresentation, conversion of credit union funds, and fraudulent transfers. Her husband is also accused of false transfers, and he was dismissed from his executive role at the Mississippi Insurance Department.
The NCUA filed a civil lawsuit, and it is unclear whether criminal charges will follow. The credit union is seeking a jury trial and the return of all misappropriated funds.
Bridges’ attorney did not offer a comment on the lawsuit.
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Greed, it’s always greed. They should have been lucky and proud to have the jobs that they had. Now, they’ll loose it all and probably go to jail. Does it ever make sense?
Watch them get a slap on the wrist.
$95M – who was watching the books? I would be looking around for some more heads.
I don’t think she’ll go to jail. I think she’ll get a very good politically appointed position. I are current president because of her expertise and fraud, lack of concern for the consumer would make her a great head of the consumer finance board..
WTH … that’s a pretty small window of time for so much to be manipulated? Who’s watching over things in the CFO position and the accounting practices?
Wow – she was a very busy 🦫 😁
How do you embezzle $95 million from a credit union in 13 months without somebody having figured it out 11 months ago?
$95 million in 15 months?????? And no one noticed the all-of-a-sudden lavish lifestyle? Where was the oversight. Good thing she should look good in orange! Give her LIFE!
How can it be “unclear” whether criminal charges would ensue?
I certainly hope the intent is to hold off filing criminal complaints pending further/more complete investigation !!