Scruggs pleads guilty

High profile attorney Richard Dickie Scruggs pleaded guilty this morning at the federal courthouse in Oxford. In an emotional plea, Scruggs pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to bribe circuit judge Henry Lackey. Friends and family cried as Scruggs changed his plea from not guilty to guilty.

Scruggs is a large donor to the university, has a building bearing his name and is slated to have a classroom at the new law school named in his honor. He has also committed to pay $1 million a year for 25 years to the liberal arts school so teachers could have a raise. So far university officials have not commented on the guilty plea.

Sidney Backstrom, a Scruggs Law Firm attorney, also pleaded guilty, with tears in his eyes.

"I wish to apologize to the court ... and my family," Backstrom said.

Neither was immediately sentenced, but both were placed on probation and had to meet with an officer.

The conspiracy charges hold a maximum of five years in prison. A sentencing hearing has not been set.

Zach Scruggs, Richard Scruggs's son, did not plea to the charges against him. His trial is currently set for March 31.

Zach Scruggs's attorney Todd Graves said this is completely different trial now and is talking with the government about a continuance.

Continue to check The DM Newsblog for more about the events unfolding in Oxford. Also, check Monday's edition of The Daily Mississippian for the full story.