Chris Epps

Chris Epps
Born:	January 25, 1961
Charges:	One count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of filing a false federal income tax return (pleaded guilty)
Sentence:	235 months (19 years, 7 months) in federal prison; $100,000 fine; forfeiture of two residences and two Mercedes-Benz vehicles
Released:	October 2, 2030 (BOP projected)
Facility:	FCI Seagoville (low-security)
Status:	Incarcerated

Christopher B. Epps (born January 25, 1961) is a former Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the longest-serving in the agency's history, who pleaded guilty in February 2015 to federal corruption charges. Prosecutors said he accepted at least $1.4 million in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for steering more than $800 million in state prison contracts to companies tied to co-defendant Cecil McCrory. In May 2017, U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate sentenced him to 235 months (19 years and 7 months) in federal prison. Epps is incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution, Seagoville, in Texas, under BOP register number 10095-042.

Early Life and Career

Christopher B. Epps was born on January 25, 1961. He began his career as a corrections officer and rose through the ranks of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Epps was appointed Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) in 2002. He served under four governors until his resignation in November 2014, making him the longest-serving commissioner in the history of the agency.

Criminal Case

Federal prosecutors determined that from roughly 2007 through 2014, Epps accepted at least $1.4 million in bribes and kickbacks. In exchange, he awarded or directed the award of more than $800 million in MDOC contracts, leases, and work to companies connected to co-defendant Cecil McCrory, a former Mississippi state legislator and businessman. A 49-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury against Epps and McCrory in 2014. Epps concealed the payments by illegally structuring cash deposits in amounts under $10,000 and buying cashier's checks, structuring nearly $1 million between 2008 and 2014, and by filing false federal income tax returns from 2008 through 2013. Epps resigned as commissioner in November 2014 following his indictment.

Trial and Sentencing

Epps pleaded guilty in February 2015 before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of filing a false federal income tax return. As part of the plea agreement, he forfeited two residences and two Mercedes-Benz vehicles. On May 24, 2017, Judge Wingate sentenced him to 235 months (19 years and 7 months) in federal prison and issued a $100,000 fine. The government had recommended roughly 13 years based on Epps's cooperation, but the judge imposed a longer term, citing in part that Epps removed property (light fixtures) from his forfeited home while out on bond awaiting sentencing. The judge characterized the scheme as among the largest bribery/graft operations in Mississippi history.

Incarceration

Epps is held at FCI Seagoville (low-security), a facility with an adjacent satellite camp near Dallas, Texas, under BOP register number 10095-042. He was designated to FCI Seagoville by mid-2017. In May 2021, he filed a motion for compassionate release citing COVID-19 health risks (which he had already contracted), listing conditions including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, glaucoma, and gout. He remains incarcerated as of 2026. The Bureau of Prisons lists a projected release date of October 2, 2030, though earlier reporting cited a projected release around 2033.

Release and Aftermath

Epps has not been released, and remains in federal custody at FCI Seagoville as of 2026, with a BOP-projected release date of October 2, 2030. His cooperation with investigators aided a wider corruption probe that produced numerous related prosecutions of contractors and consultants. Co-defendant Cecil McCrory also pleaded guilty in the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Chris Epps do?

As Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, he accepted at least $1.4 million in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for steering more than $800 million in state prison contracts. He pleaded guilty in February 2015 to conspiracy to commit money laundering and filing a false federal income tax return.

Q: How long is the sentence?

235 months, 19 years and 7 months, in federal prison, plus a $100,000 fine and forfeiture of two homes and two vehicles. The sentence was imposed by Judge Henry T. Wingate in May 2017.

Q: Where is Chris Epps incarcerated?

At the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Seagoville, a low-security federal prison near Dallas, Texas, under BOP register number 10095-042.

Q: When will Chris Epps be released?

He remains incarcerated. The Bureau of Prisons lists a projected release date of October 2, 2030 (earlier reporting cited a projected release around 2033).

Q: Who was Chris Epps's co-defendant?

Cecil McCrory, a former Mississippi state legislator and businessman, who also pleaded guilty in the case.

See also

• Index of Federal Prison Facilities
• FCI Seagoville (low-security)