Rudy Warnock, a former Canton Municipal Utilities engineer at the center of a public corruption scandal, will spend 12 years in federal prison.
Warnock was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud in July. He was previously indicted in 2021 for his role in a bribery scheme that involved him making payments to other city leaders in exchange for favorable contracts. Some of his payments to his colleagues included access to suites at New Orleans Saints games, among other luxury excursions and perks.
While out on bond, Warnock unsuccessfully attempted suicide, which led to his bond revoked. The incident occurred shortly after his trial when Warnock crashed his vehicle in Rankin County. Warnock was discovered unconscious in his vehicle and was helped out by an unidentified individual unaffiliated with the defendant. Law enforcement authorities responded to the scene and noted that Warnock had cut his body, specifically his neck and wrists, as part of an apparent suicide attempt.
He was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment, then transported to the Forrest County Jail, where he resided until Wednesday’s sentencing.
After serving his prison sentence, Warnock will be subjected to three years of supervised probation and will be barred from owning a firearm.