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JACKSON, Miss. -- Vicksburg Mayor Paul Winfield made his first appearance in court this afternoon.
The Mayor waived his right to a preliminary hearing and is now free on bond. He was arrested at his home Wednesday by FBI agents. “Mayor Winfield is charged with bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, said Deborah Madden, FBI spokesperson. “He is alleged to have solicited and accepted bribes from an FBI cooperating informant representing a company interested in obtaining pre-event disaster contracts for the City of Vicksburg.”
According to documents from the FBI, the Mayor was having tax problems and needed money when he accepted the bribe this past summer. He announced his bid for re-election just hours before his arrest. If found guilty of this charge, Winfield could face a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.
Winfield is currently facing a federal sexual harassment suit too. It was filed by his former Chief of Staff Kenay Burks.
