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 both men were convicted by a federal jury in July on multiple felony charges following an eight-day trial.
Warnock and Anderson were charged with conspiring to commit bribery. In addition to these charges, Warnock faced charges of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and the completed offense of honest services wire fraud. Both individuals were found guilty on all counts outlined in the indictment.
Two co-defendants in the case, former City of Canton Aldermen Eric Gilkey and Andrew Grant, are set for sentencing on January 15, 2026. They pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in November 2022 and face up to five years in prison each. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering relevant guidelines and statutory factors.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi stated: “United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.”
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly T. Purdie and David H. Fulcher.
