Two Charged In Cochran Photo Scandal Released From Jail

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Two men charged in the alleged conspiracy to photograph U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran’s ailing wife were released from jail Thursday.

Madison County District Attorney Michael Guest says he agreed to reduce bonds for Clayton Kelly of Pearl and Richard Sager of Laurel after their attorneys appealed amounts set by a Madison judge.

Kelly was released from the Madison County jail after posting $75,000 bond, reduced from $250,000. Police say he photographed Rose Cochran, without permission, in a nursing home and posted her image in an online video.

Sager, charged with evidence tampering and conspiracy, was released after posting $50,000 bond, down from $500,000.

Police say the conspiracy aimed to use images of Rose Cochran, who has dementia, to advance allegations the senator was having an inappropriate relationship. Cochran denies this.