JACKSON- Jim M. Greenlee, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi, Frederick T. Brink, Special Agent in Charge, Jackson Division Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Stacey Pickering, Mississippi State Auditor, announced today that a federal jury has found James Draper(59) guilty of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud and money laundering in connection with the economic development project known as Mississippi Beef Processors.

James Draper, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, was a refrigeration company sales representative and a vendor for the Mississippi Beef Processors Plant. The trial was held in Oxford, Mississippi, before Chief Judge Michael P. Mills.

“This conviction represents another step toward justice for the citizens of Mississippi in this failed venture,” said Special Agent in Charge Frederick Brink.

“I am pleased that the jury has looked at the evidence in this case and found this individual guilty of crimes committed against the State of Mississippi,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering.

Jim Greenlee thanked the FBI and State Auditor´s Office for their hard work in investigating this matter and the fine work of his prosecutors. “The United States Attorney’s Office stands ready to prosecute those who commit crimes against the State of Mississippi.”

Draper was allowed to remain free on bond pending the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing is expected to occur in 60 to 90 days. Draper faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and fines of $750,000.

The case was investigated by Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Investigators with the State Auditor´s Office. The case was tried by Assistant United States Attorneys Jimmy Maxwell and Chad Lamar.

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