Bryant received messages later asking him if he could be eligible for stock in the drug firm in return for his assistance while in office. Bryant replied, “Cannot until January 15th,” which was his first day in office. “But I would love to speak then. This is what I love to do. A company that saves lives After leaving office, Bryant received a stock offer from the drug company executives. Bryant replied, “Sounds good. What would be the best spot to meet? I’m going to work hard …” Bryant was critical of Lester Spell, then the Agriculture Commissioner, for not understanding the foolishness of the state’s investment in the beef plant. Steve Holland, then a vibrant state representative from Lee County claimed credit for the “birthing” of the beef plant idea during the Natchez Trace commutes. Holland claimed that they believed the project could become a Nissan Plant in rural Mississippi. This was referring to an auto manufacturing plant which opened in Canton, near Jackson, thanks to state incentives. Holland claimed credit, but it was only heard on conservative radio. That same radio station also dressed a recreational vehicle with beef plant paraphernalia, and circled Capitol to remind people about the scandal. They claimed it was only a matter time before a federal investigation, assisted by Auditor Bryant brought charges against the Democrats who “bought” the beef plant. Bryant stated that Bryant was unable to speak about the matter during a radio interview. Bryant also said that he had seen a report in which the U.S. Attorney told Judge Biggers that more indictments or another would be forthcoming. But, as I said, the investigation isn’t over. A few of the beef plant contractors were sentenced to time after spending daily time with the U.S. attorney’s office. They pleaded guilty for embezzling the state’s money and cutting corners, which resulted in a questionable project being canceled. Two contractors pleaded guilty in the simplest way to making campaign contributions to the former governor. Ronnie Musgrove was hoping for favorable treatment. Bryant and his beef plant were in the news, with many speculating about possible indictments against public officials. Federal prosecutors did not charge Musgrove with any quid proquo. None of the state legislators that conservative radio hosts claimed would be facing criminal charges were ever indicted. In his unsuccessful 2007 campaign to become lieutenant governor, Jamie Franks (D-Mooreville), tried to change the narrative on the beef plant. Franks pointed out McCoy had included language in the legislation that “birthed” the beef plant, a $50,000 appropriation for Bryant’s bureau to monitor the program. Franks claimed that only $10,000 was spent on the funds. Bryant was accused of becoming interested in the project just days after it closed. Franks stated that Bryant simply did not do his job. Bryant countered by saying that he had warned people about the impossibility of this project early on. The state’s beef plant facility has been used for almost 15 years. Ajinomoto, a frozen food manufacturer, employs approximately 500 Mississippians on the site. It is not a Nissan plant but it provides a substantial number of jobs in rural Yalobusha County.