Jan. 1993: Rep. Mike Espy, D-Miss., becomes President Clinton's first agriculture secretary.
Sept. 1994: Independent Counsel Donald Smaltz is appointed to investigate reports that Espy took football tickets, travel and other gifts from Tyson Foods Inc. Smaltz later expands investigation to other companies.Oct. 1994: Espy announces he will resign at the end of the year.
1995-1997: Smaltz pursues more than a dozen separate cases against companies and lobbyists connected to Espy, plus Espy's associates and family members.
Aug. 1997: Espy is indicted on 39 corruption counts. One count is later dismissed. He pleads innocent.
Oct. 1, 1998: Opening statements by Smaltz and Espy defense attorney Ted Wells.
Nov. 18: Smaltz concludes case. Defense calls no witnesses.
Nov. 24: U.S. District Judge Ricardo Urbina throws out eight charges against Espy, leaving 30.
Dec. 1: Jury begins deliberations.
Dec. 2: Jury acquits Espy of all counts.