TWO PRISON EMPLOYEES FACE EXTORTION CHARGES

JACKSON - Two correctional officer trainees face charges of extortion and
conspiracy to introduce contraband at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at
Parchman, authorities said.

The Mississippi Department of Corrections said Monday that Jonathan A. Cox
of Ruleville was arrested June 6 and Terry B. Thomas of Greenwood was
arrested June 9.

"Violation of the public's trust and criminal activity by MDOC staff will
not be tolerated," Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps said.

Cox, a Parchman employee since July 2002, is accused of keeping $2,000 he
received from the bank account of inmate Mickey Smith, who is serving a
life sentence for homicide in Jackson County.

Thomas, who has been with MDOC since November 2002, is accused of receiving
$600 from Smith's account. Thomas is charged with conspiring with Smith to
smuggle marijuana into the prison, but keeping the money for himself.

Bond for both suspects was set at $10,000. Cox was free on bond Monday, but
Thomas remained in the Sunflower County jail.

Extortion carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and up to a
$5,000 fine. Conspiracy to introduce contraband carries a maximum sentence
of 15 years and up to a $25,000 fine.

MDOC said the investigation is continuing and could lead to more arrests.