030417 daily corinthian e edition

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Tishomingo County Boy improving after attack by dogs

McNairy County Board seeking bids on asbestos removal

Prentiss County Police get new bullet proof vests

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Saturday March 4,

2017

75 cents

Daily Corinthian Vol. 121, No. 54

Warmer Today

Tonight

63

39

0% chance of rain

• Corinth, Mississippi • 16 pages • One section

Benjamin sentenced in bribery case BY JEFF AMY Associated Press

JACKSON — Former Alcorn County legislator and jail consultant Irb Benjamin has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for bribes he paid to former state Corrections Com-

missioner Christopher Epps. However, U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate said Friday that 70-year-old Benjamin of Madison could see his 70-month sentence reduced, if information he provided results in the prosecution of others in

the bribery scandal. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca says it’s “only a matter of time” until people that Benjamin informed on are indicted in Gulfport. Six people have pleaded guilty in the bribery scheme and four

others have been charged. Wingate is ordering Benjamin to pay a $100,000 fine and forfeit $261,000 within 90 days. Benjamin, who represented Alcorn County as a state representative and senator, will

report to federal prison on May 16. Benjamin also served as a consultant for the construction and certification of Alcorn County’s regional jail and justice center and later served as warden of the facility before resigning in November 2014.

Celebs prepare dance moves Local attorney

charged in arson

BY KIMBERLY SHELTON kshelton@dailycorinthian.com

Practicing their foot work, “Dancing Like the Stars” contestants met at the Crossroads Arena on Thursday night to collaborate. Based on the same concept as the wildly popular American dance competition television series “Dancing With the Stars,” the highly anticipated dance-off will feature 17 couples from across the Crossroads. Set for 6 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Arena, participants in the dance-off will step into the shoes of celebrity dancers in and effort to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Mississippi which includes chapters in Corinth, Iuka, Booneville and Baldwyn. “We are extremely excited for this opportunity to entertain the community while raising money for our children,” said Chairperson Mary Dilworth who currently serves as the president of the Corinth Boys & Girls Club Board and as a member of the Corporate Board. “ Featuring local and area ‘Movers’, ‘Shakers’, ‘Businesses’ and ‘Professionals’ as the stars, the dramatic event will be a showstopper complete with a mesmerizing show, toe-tapping music and fellowship. A scrumptious, full-meal consisting of a meat, two vegetables, a dessert and a drink will be served to audience members following the competition. Spectators will also have the abil-

BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com

A local attorney has been indicated on two counts of arson and DUI maiming. Tracey June Clark, 53, of Tishomingo, has been charged with arson of a dwelling, arson of a building and DUI maiming stemming from incidents that occurred since April 2015. According to the Tishomingo Sheriff’s Department, Clark is charged with arson of her Eastport Street law office and her Mill Creek personal residence. Clark was later involved in a vehicle accident in Iuka which

Attempted murder nets 30-year sentence BY ZACK STEEN zsteen@dailycorinthian.com

A Corinth man has been sentenced to prison for attempted murder. Desmund Patterson, 22, was found guilty of the 2016 attempted murder of Kelin Edgeston, 31, by a Alcorn County jury on Thursday. Circuit Court Judge Jim Pounds issued the sentence on Friday. Pounds said Patterson would

Please see DANCING | 2 Staff photo by Kimberly Shelton

Former Corinth first lady Valerie Latch and Corinth Police Officer Fred Washington practice their footwork.

CHS student slated to perform with symphony BY L.A. STORY lastory@dailycorinthian.com

As the Corinth Symphony Orchestra performs “A Tribute to Broadway” with featured soloist, Broadway veteran Laurie Gayle Stephenson, a local high school student has managed to earn the right to be among professional level musicians. The concert is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the Coliseum Civic Center in downtown Corinth. Trumpet player Matthew Louis, son of Denny and

caused severe injuries to a motorcyclist. Iuka PD arrested and charged Clark with DUI maiming following the accident. A special Clark grand jury was requested this week and following evidence hearings, Clark was indicated. Arraignment is March 9 at the Tishomingo County Courthouse. Both Tishomingo deputies and Iuka PD have been in charge of the investigation.

serve 30 years, 10 years suspended in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The DA had requested a life in prison sentence. Patterson shot Edgeston on April 15, 2016 at a Mitchell Street residence. Edgeston was grazed on the head by two bullets during the gunfire. Please see SENTENCE | 2

People of the Crossroads

Kathy Louis, is a senior at Corinth High School where he performs in the CHS band. This will be his third opporLouis tunity to perform with the orchestra with professional level musicians. He said he was honored

Tracy Morelock, Corinth Corinth resident Tracy Morelock just celebrated her 30th anniversary working for Long Lewis Ford Lincoln of Corinth and she said there are many reasons she loves her job. “I love the interaction with the customers and meeting their needs. I love everyone I work with. We have a great team here,” she said. Morelock also likes her work because she likes the challenge of it with every day being different. Outside of her job, she loves to work in her yard. During the summers, she has palm trees, banana trees and flowers. She also has a pool and finds working in the yard is “relaxing.” She and her husband, Greg, have two sons, Bradley (wife, Amber) and Wesley. She is always happy to talk about her four wonderful grandchildren, Laikin, Ryder, Griffin, and Adi. Staff Photo by L.A. Story

Please see LOUIS | 2

25 years ago

10 years ago

Sunnie King and Gretta Hills, both sophomores at Corinth High School, represent the local chapter of Freed-Hardeman Associates in the annual Freed-Hardeman University Fashion Show.

A Mexican restaurant is among the business planned for the next phase of development at the Corinth Commons shopping center.


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