An indictment has been revealed in the Southern District of Mississippi, implicating several officials from Jackson. Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens II, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and Jackson City Council Member Aaron Banks are accused of engaging in a bribery scheme for personal gain. Their initial court appearances are scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac.
"The indictment alleges that Jackson’s mayor, the district attorney in Jackson, and members of Jackson’s city council conspired to accept bribes in exchange for official acts benefiting purported real estate developers," stated Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri from the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "Officials who abuse their positions of authority to enrich themselves undermine public confidence in government."
U.S. Attorney Todd Gee emphasized the betrayal of public trust involved: "Leaders who are awarded the public’s trust should be focusing on the needs of the Jackson community, not looking to line their own pockets and benefit themselves."
The FBI's involvement was highlighted by Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough: "Our citizens are entitled to decisions based on the best interests of the public, not corrupt public officials."
According to allegations, between October 2023 and May 2024, Owens facilitated bribe payments on behalf of undercover FBI agents posing as developers. These payments were allegedly aimed at securing support from specific public officials in exchange for financial benefits totaling at least $115,000.
Mayor Lumumba reportedly accepted $50,000 concealed as campaign donations for supporting a downtown project proposed by these developers. Councilman Banks is accused of soliciting a $50,000 bribe and receiving an initial $10,000 payment along with promises related to employment benefits for a family member.
Former Councilwoman Angelique Lee is also alleged to have accepted various forms of compensation totaling approximately $19,000 for her support.
Owens faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit federal program bribery and money laundering with potential sentences ranging up to 20 years per charge if convicted. Lumumba and Banks face similar charges with varying potential penalties.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI while prosecution is led by attorneys from both the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the Southern District of Mississippi.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
