JACKSON, Miss., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- A day after resigning as Mississippi's corrections commissioner, Christopher Epps pleaded not guilty to federal charges of taking more than $1 million in bribes.
Epps and Cecil McCrory, a former state legislator and judge who currently heads the Rankin County school board, were arraigned in federal court in Jackson. Prosecutors said a network of companies connected to McCrory were awarded contracts to provide services to Department of Corrections facilities.
Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain said the two men were involved in a "systemic and pervasive corruption in our state government."
McCrory allegedly paid off the mortages on Epps' home in a gated community in Flowood and a beachfront condo in Pass Christian and provided cash bribes. Epps allegedly kept the money in a safe at home, depositing it in amounts structured to avoid scrutiny.
Both men pleaded not guilty and were released on $25,000 bond.
"I'm shocked by this," was Epps only comment on the charges.
The Clarion-Ledger reported that in March federal prosecutors filed paperwork to seize more than $1 million in Epps' assets. In addition to his home and condo, the list included two Mercedes-Benz cars.
State records list Epps' 2014 salary as $132,761.
In the 49-count indictment, prosecutors detail a scheme that allegedly began in 2007. Both Epps, 53, and McCrory, 62, face long prison terms and heavy fines if they are convicted.
"I just got us $12,000 per month," the indictment quotes Epps telling McCrory after on 2012 deal.
