JACKSON — The attorney for Hinds County Circuit Judge Bobby DeLaughter says his client will plead guilty to lying to an FBI agent who was investigating a judicial corruption case involving former prominent lawyer Richard “Dickie” Scruggs.
Attorney Tom Durkin said Tuesday that DeLaughter will enter the plea on Thursday in U.S. District Court in Aberdeen.
An indictment accused DeLaughter of attempting to obstruct, influence and impede an official proceeding while being interviewed.
Durkin said the plea agreement would become public record by Wednesday.
Prosecutors accused DeLaughter of ruling in favor of Scruggs, a once powerful Mississippi lawyer who is now in prison, in hopes that Scruggs would use his connections to help DeLaughter get appointed to a federal judgeship.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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