Vicksburg, Miss., mayor faces fed bribery charge

Vicksburg, Miss., Mayor Paul Winfield has been granted bond after being arraigned on a federal bribery charge that says he sought a $10,000 bribe for a city contract.

The 39-year-old Democrat wore an orange jail jumpsuit and shackles during his arraignment in U.S. District Court in Jackson Thursday.

Magistrate Judge Keith Ball ordered Winfield to be released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

Winfield answered the judge's questions in a strong, clear voice during the brief hearing but did not address the allegations. He did not enter a plea.

After the hearing, Winfield's lawyer, John Colette, said the case is an allegation made by an FBI agent.

Winfield is completing his first term as mayor of the historic Mississippi River city, the site of a pivotal Civil War battle.

Colette says the mayor does not intend to resign.

By HOLBROOK MOHR Associated Press

By HOLBROOK MOHR
Associated Press