Jackson Mayor Faces Bribery Charges in FBI Sting

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, and Jackson City Councilman Aaron Banks have been indicted on federal charges, including conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering, following an FBI sting operation involving undercover agents posing as real estate developers. The indictment alleges that from October 2023 to May 2024, the officials accepted over $80,000 in bribes in exchange for approving development projects in downtown Jackson. Lumumba, who faces up to 70 years in prison, has called the charges a 'political prosecution' ahead of his 2025 reelection campaign, maintaining his innocence. This scandal follows former Councilwoman Angelique Lee's guilty plea to bribery charges connected to the same investigation. Owens and Banks have also denied wrongdoing, with Owens criticizing the FBI's investigation. The case highlights significant issues of corruption within Jackson's city governance and has drawn national attention.