Prison Bribery Scandal Widens, Two More Arrested

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – One man has agreed to plead guilty and another has been indicted on federal charges that they paid bribes and kickbacks to a former Mississippi corrections commissioner in exchange for contracts.

Sam Waggoner, 61, of Carthage, agreed Friday to plead guilty to one count of bribery after waiving indictment before a federal judge.

Former state Sen. Irb Benjamin, 68, of Madison, pleaded not guilty to three counts of conspiracy and bribery. He was released on $10,000 bond.

The two men are the latest people charged in a bribery scandal centering on former Mississippi Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps.

State Auditor Stacey Pickering says he expects charges to be brought against other people later. Epps and former state Rep. Cecil McCrory pleaded guilty months ago and await sentencing.