Guilty Plea In Cochran Photo Case

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – One of the men charged in a conspiracy to photograph U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran’s ailing wife has pleaded guilty.

John Mary of Hattiesburg pleaded guilty Wednesday to one felony count of conspiracy to commit a computer crime. The charges were filed by prosecutors under a plea agreement.

Mary was sentenced to five years’ probation and was not jailed. Mary’s lawyer Doug Lee says that if Mary successfully completes probation, the charge will be removed from his record.

Lee says Mary continues to cooperate with police and says he regrets any harm caused to the Cochran family.

Two other men face charges in the case – Clayton Kelly of Pearl and Richard Sager of Laurel. A third man who was charged – Mark Mayfield of Ridgeland – committed suicide.