Irb Benjamin, who represented Alcorn County in the state Senate and House, has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for bribes he paid to former state Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps.

His sentence could be reduced if information he provided results in prosecution of others in the scandal, according to U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate. Six people have pleaded guilty in the bribery scheme and four others have been charged.

Wingate ordered Benjamin to pay a $100,000 fine and forfeit $261,000 within 90 days. Benjamin, 70, is scheduled to report to federal prison on May 16.


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