Mississippi § 27-27-15 - Seizure; penalty for interference with officer; custody.

§ 27-27-15. Seizure; penalty for interference with officer; custody.

The officer collecting the tax or any agent appointed by him shall have full and complete authority, without an order from any court, to take possession of any slot amusement machine, and keep, seal or otherwise prevent the operation of such machine for failure to pay the license tax and any penalty, or for operation of such machine without a proper license or sticker affixed thereto. When such machine shall have been seized or possession taken to prevent further unlawful use thereof, the same shall remain under the exclusive jurisdiction of such officer or agent seizing same until released by said officer or agent upon payment of the proper tax, penalty and costs, or until same is disposed of under a writ of venditioni exponas issued by the proper court for the collection of the taxes due, together with penalties and costs. Any operation of any machine after seizure of same, or any disturbance of possession or notice of seizure posted by an agent or officer, shall be unlawful, and any person violating this provision shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, may be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or may be fined and imprisoned in the discretion of the court within the limitations aforesaid.