Video: Former North MS Lawmaker Pleads Guilty

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – A former state senator has pleaded guilty in Mississippi’s prison contract bribery scandal.

BENJAMIN

Irb Benjamin of Madison pleaded guilty to one count of bribery Tuesday morning before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate in Jackson.

Benjamin admitted in court that he paid bribes to former Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps to obtain contracts at state prison work centers and county jails. Brandon businessman Cecil McCrory and Epps pleaded guilty to charges connected to the bribery scheme in February 2015, but still await sentencing. Three others have also pleaded guilty on related charges.

Wingate says he will sentence Benjamin Jan. 24. Benjamin faces up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. Prosecutors also want him to forfeit money he gained.