Zach Scruggs Pleads Guilty

Zach Scruggs has pleaded guilty to a one-count information for misprision of a felony, in exchange for dismissal of the original indictment. There is no requirement for cooperation. He admitted to improper ex parte contact, knowing about improper ex parte contact by others and doing nothing to prevent or report it. He denied knowing about the bribe to Judge Lackey.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison but the government has recommended probation. However, US District Judge Neal Biggers pointed out, per customary practice, that the court does not have to accept that recommendation. This report comes from David Rossmiller’s contact in the courtroom. More to come.

UPDATE:

Sun Herald story by Anita Lee, Zach Scruggs Plea Agreement, Zach Scruggs Factual Basis, Zach Scruggs Plea Hearing Transcript.

The transcript confirms the earlier report above. There will be no further charges arising out of this case, but the agreement does not preclude any prosecution in any other case. However, the government has “no knowledge that he has any information on other cases at this time,” which indicates he is not currently a target in the investigation related to the Joey Langston plea; Dickie Scruggs is under investigation in that case.

Judge Biggers made it quite clear, per standard federal plea bargain procedure, that the court is not bound by the recommendation of probation contained in the plea agreement. He ordered a presentencing report and stated that sentencing would probably take place in six to eight weeks.