JACKSON, MS—Calvin Louis Smith, 56, a former Canton City alderman, was found guilty of bribery following a three-day trial in U.S. District Court, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen.

Smith was indicted for bribery in connection with a transaction involving the City of Canton, Mississippi. He will be sentenced on July 17, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate. Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.

“For the public to have confidence in their government, they must be certain that their elected officials will use their position for public good instead of personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. “Today’s verdict is a reminder that public officials will be held accountable when they violate the trust placed in them by the public.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge McMullen stated: “Public service is about serving one’s community. It is not meant to be self-serving. Yet, this public servant chose to use his position to serve himself. Crimes of this nature do not affect just one person or one community. Public corruption affects everyone by undermining their trust.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Rushing.