2 ex-contractor execs sentenced in Houston to prison in scheme to bribe Nigerian officials

2 get prison for plan to bribe Nigerian officials

HOUSTON — Two former executives of an international contractor have received prison sentences for their part in a conspiracy to bribe Nigerian officials.

A U.S. Justice Department statement says Jason Edward Steph and Jim Bob Brown received lighter sentences because of their guilty pleas and cooperation with investigators. As a result, Willbros International Inc. and its parent, Willbros Group Inc., were fined more than $32 million in 2008 for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The 40-year-old Steph received a 15-month prison sentence, followed by two years of supervised release. He also is fined $2,000.

The 48-year-old Brown drew a one-year prison sentence, to be followed by two years of supervised release. He also must pay $2,000 for each month of his release.