Attorney General's News Release

August 10, 1999

Two more defendants plead guilty to criminal charges in connection with Miller County jail investigation

Jefferson City, Mo. — Two men charged in connection with a corruption investigation into the Miller County jail and sheriff's department pleaded guilty today to criminal charges brought by Attorney General Jay Nixon.

David J. Birdsong, who at various times was an inmate trustee and then a jailer, pleaded guilty today in Camden County Circuit Court to two counts of felony stealing, one felony count of bribery, one felony count of escape and one misdemeanor count of third degree assault. Birdsong admitted to:

• Stealing methamphetamine and marijuana from the jail evidence room;
• Giving cash to a jailer in exchange for allowing Birdsong to have sex with a female inmate;
• Assaulting another inmate; and
• Escaping from the Miller County jail.

Eric Taylor, a former jailer, pleaded guilty in Pulaski County Circuit Court to one count of acceding to corruption by admitted to taking a cash payment in exchange for allowing conjugal visit between inmates and visitors. Taylor was sentenced today to 100 days shock time in jail, given a two-year suspended prison sentence and placed on probation for five years.

A sentencing date has not been set for Birdsong. Both Birdsong and Taylor now will cooperate fully with prosecutors.

Last month, former jailer Timothy N. Scott pleaded guilty to one felony count of acceding to corruption and one misdemeanor count of official misconduct in connection with the probe. In June, former jailer Trevor J. Plemmons pleaded guilty to two felony counts of acceding to corruption. Three other people Peter S. Armstrong, Holley Dawn Dake and Larry L. Young still face charges in connection with the investigation.

The charges against the remaining defendants are merely accusations; as in all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent until or unless proven otherwise in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818