Judge Acquits Failed House Hopeful Espy

A federal judge has acquitted Henry Espy, brother of former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy, on five of six charges stemming from his failed effort to win a U.S. House seat. Judge L.T. Senter ruled there was not enough evidence to convict Espy on charges he lied to the First National Bank of Clarksdale to secure $75,000 needed to help repay a 1993 campaign debt of more than double that amount. Henry Espy, mayor of Clarksdale, Miss., was also cleared of conspiring to defraud the Federal Election Commission. He must return to court Tuesday to face the sixth charge, which involves $20,000 that Crop Growers Insurance Inc. gave to his campaign.