Post by Logan on Jun 10, 2016 21:36:22 GMT -6
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Plans to sentence former Mississippi Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps and Brandon businessman Cecil McCrory on July 19 are in peril after a judge delayed a hearing on related evidence.
U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on Thursday gave prosecutors until June 29 to gather more evidence from 15 companies that prosecutors say bribed Epps, McCrory or both. The judge said he'll then decide how long defense lawyers need after that to prepare for a hearing. He also ordered prosecutors to turn over names and descriptions of proposed witnesses.
"What we have here is some material submitted to the defense at the last minute," Wingate said. "The defense should have time to see documents so important to sentencing."
Prosecutors hope the evidence will require probation officers to recommend that Wingate give longer prison sentences to Epps and McCrory. Wingate could accept those recommendations or rule differently.
Read more: www.meridianstar.com/news/state_news/federal-judge-delays-hearing-on-prison-contracting-evidence/article_29294632-2f19-11e6-b6e2-57fece2737ec.html
U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on Thursday gave prosecutors until June 29 to gather more evidence from 15 companies that prosecutors say bribed Epps, McCrory or both. The judge said he'll then decide how long defense lawyers need after that to prepare for a hearing. He also ordered prosecutors to turn over names and descriptions of proposed witnesses.
"What we have here is some material submitted to the defense at the last minute," Wingate said. "The defense should have time to see documents so important to sentencing."
Prosecutors hope the evidence will require probation officers to recommend that Wingate give longer prison sentences to Epps and McCrory. Wingate could accept those recommendations or rule differently.
Read more: www.meridianstar.com/news/state_news/federal-judge-delays-hearing-on-prison-contracting-evidence/article_29294632-2f19-11e6-b6e2-57fece2737ec.html