The Nation - News from June 5, 1985

Mississippi Senate President Pro Tem Tommy Brooks was found guilty of attempting to extort $50,000 in exchange for his influence on a horse racing bill. Brooks, the No. 2 power in the state Senate, could be sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined $10,000, plus loss of his Senate seat. U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee, sitting in Jackson, set sentencing for July 18. The defense was granted 30 days to file a motion for a new trial for Brooks, 60, a 29-year veteran of the Legislature.