Sean Anthony Changes Plea to Guilty in Utility Authority Scandal

Tuesday, contractor, Sean H. Anthony, pleaded guilty in federal court on a conspiracy charge in connection to the Harrison County Utility Authority. His guilty plea comes one week after his initial appearance.

Prosecutors in the courtroom confirmed Anthony struck a deal with the U.S. government. In exchange for his guilty plea, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recommended Anthony receive only 25% of the maximum sentence for conspiracy, which is usually up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Joe Sam Owen, Anthony’s attorney, says, "He’s a young man and he did what he’s supposed to and admitted his guilt. Just looking forward to the point in time when he can finally get closure."

That closure will come August 3rd when Anthony is sentenced. He is accused of offering everything from cars to cash payments to former Supervisor, Kim Savant, and former Utility Authority Director, Kamaran Pahvalan, in exchange for their votes in favor of contracts for his company, S.H. Anthony Construction. It’s likely Anthony will be asked to testify against Pahlavan. Owen also says, "That’s really a call that needs to be made by the government, but as I said before, he will continue to answer questions whether it’s inside or outside the courtroom."

Owen, who has been representing Anthony since 2013, says his client has cooperated with the F.B.I. from the start, and they have been discussing a plea bargain with the government for 5 or 6 months. Anthony was offered four different plea deals. It is unknown which one Anthony and the government agreed upon. Owen closes, "For the two year I’ve represented him, Sean has answered every single question and when they asked him about A, he answered it and when they asked him about B, he answered it."

Owen says Anthony will continue to cooperate with the U.S. government. He is currently free on a $25,000 bond until his sentencing on August 3rd.