/Jackson doctor indicted in state prison bribery scandal

Jackson doctor indicted in state prison bribery scandal

Reddix is sixth indicted in kickback-bribery scam that rocked the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Reddix is an OB/GYN doctor accused of conspiring for inmate medical service contracts in return for kickbacks and bribes to Epps. The conspiracy to commit wire fraud is one charge, while the six others are related to bribe payment. On Wednesday, the 57-year old made his first appearance in federal court. Magistrate Keith Ball set a $10,000 unsecured bail. At the initial hearing, he was not required to plead guilty. Reddix was represented by Lisa Ross and Ball. He told Reddix that if he violated his bond conditions, he could face arrest and jail time. Reddix assured him that he understood. Reddix’s 13 page indictment, dated July 13, but not unsealed until Wednesday (PDF), claims that he paid Epps $6,000 to $9,500 per month between 2012 and October 2014. This was in exchange for Epps influence to financially benefit Reddix’s company, Health Assurance LLC. MDOC contracted the company for medical services in four state prisons: Walnut Grove, East Mississippi and Marshall County. According to the filing, the contracts were worth more than $29 millions. Health Assurance started services at Walnut Grove in 2008 and continued to build its contracts at Wilkinson County through 2013. Reddix could face lengthy imprisonment and heavy fines if he is found guilty. Reddix could also be subject to forfeiture of any property or proceeds that were involved in the offenses. Epps pleaded guilty in February to his involvement in the scheme. As federal officials continue to investigate the case, delays in his sentencing have been repeated. Brandon businessman Cecil McCrory pleaded guilty to Bribing Epps. However, McCrory’s attorney stated that McCrory intends to withdraw his plea. Sam Waggoner (a Carthage businessman) pleaded guilty to bribing Epps and will be sentencing. In October, a fourth defendant, Irb Benjamin (ex-senator and lobbyist), will be tried. Robert Simmons, a Harrison County political operative, was a conduit for bribes paid by Health Assurance to a county Supervisor. Simmons pleaded guilty to bribing a Harrison County Supervisor in exchange for Health Assurance securing Harrison County’s medical contract. The former Supervisor William Martin committed suicide last year just hours before he was due to appear in federal court for bribery. Monday’s Assistant U.S. attorney Darren LaMarca stated that additional defendants will appear before Ball or Judge Henry T. Wingate July 25. Epps pleaded guilty last February to separate bribery allegations and will be sentenced later in the year. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think. Republish this Story