Former Mississippi corrections chief Christopher Epps pleads guilty to corruption charges

Christopher Epps
Christopher Epps
Christopher Epps

JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — Former Mississippi Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps and businessman Cecil McCrory are pleading guilty on federal corruption charges.

Epps pleaded guilty to a count of money laundering conspiracy and a count of income tax evasion Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate in Jackson, who set sentencing for June 9. Epps faces up to 23 years in prison and fines of $750,000. Epps has also agreed to forfeit nearly $2 million in assets.

McCrory’s lawyer says his client plans to plead guilty later Wednesday before Wingate, although he wouldn’t say what charges were covered by the plea.

Prosecutors say Epps received about $1.5 million in bribes from McCrory and others

A 49-count indictment, unsealed in November, charged Epps with 35 felony counts and McCrory with 15 felony counts.