Two get prison for plan to bribe Nigerian officials

HOUSTON 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. That investigation led, in May 2008, to more than $32 million in fines against Willbros subsidiary Willbros International Inc. for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The 40-year-old Steph received a 15-month prison sentence to be 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 supervised release.