Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree was called by the defense as the ninth witness, acting as more of a character witness for Fairley. DuPree testified that Fairley and have a history extending to the 7th grade, and claimed to be as close to the man "as you can be without being blood," and an agreement was made with Fairley to do their part to better the living of people in their own city. DuPree testified that he was never told Fairley was stealing money and that he did not find out until the indictment.