Rudolph M. Warnock, Jr., from Birmingham, Alabama, and Cleveland Anderson, from Canton, Mississippi, were sentenced to 12 years and 7 years in federal prison, respectively, for their involvement in a bribery scheme. The sentencing took place after a federal jury convicted both men of multiple felony charges following an eight-day trial earlier this year.
Warnock and Anderson were charged with conspiring to commit bribery. Additionally, Warnock faced charges of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and the completed offense of honest services wire fraud. Both defendants were found guilty on all counts brought against them.
The case also involves former City of Canton Aldermen Eric Gilkey and Andrew Grant. They pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in November 2022 and are scheduled for sentencing on January 15, 2026. Each faces up to five years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi announced the sentences alongside Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI conducted the investigation into the bribery scheme.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly T. Purdie and David H. Fulcher are handling prosecution duties for the case.
