Authorities report that Rudy Warnock, the embattled Madison County engineer who was convicted on corruption charges this week, suffered serious self-inflicted injuries hours after he was declared guilty by a jury.
Warnock and three other former Canton officials – former Canton Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees Commissioner Cleveland Anderson and former Aldermen Andrew Grant and Eric Gilkey – were all charged in connection with a bribery scheme that occurred between 2016 and 2017.
The corruption trial had been delayed for years before the jury reached a verdict on Wednesday. All four former officials were indicted in December 2021.
Warnock was found guilty on two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of wire fraud, while Anderson was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bribery.
Just hours after the pair was convicted, Warnock was involved in a car wreck on Interstate 20. Officials with the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department said eyewitnesses reported that Warnock intentionally wrecked his vehicle.
Following the single car wreck off the interstate, Warnock apparently exited the truck and began to cut his own wrists, prompting further 911 calls.
Warnock was treated on the scene and transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, though officials could not confirm his current condition.
Both Warnock and Anderson were out on bond before a sentencing hearing scheduled for Nov. 18. Warnock faces a maximum combined sentence of 50 years and total fines of $1 million.
On Thursday, the Department of Justice filed a motion to revoke Warnock’s release, arguing that he is a threat to himself and others.
