By Edelia J. Carthan
President and CEO
Carthan Enterprises
Jackson, Mississippi – Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is among a trio of city officials facing federal bribery charges, as revealed in a series of indictments this week that uncover a network of alleged corruption. Lumumba, District Attorney Jody Owens, and Councilman Aaron Banks all entered pleas of not guilty in a Jackson federal court Thursday following a months-long FBI investigation. The indictments, supported by evidence from undercover FBI agents, paint a vivid picture of city officials allegedly engaging in schemes involving cash bribes, clandestine meetings, and promises of influence.
Mayor Lumumba Denounces Indictment as "Political Prosecution"
Mayor Lumumba released a video statement Wednesday, hours after news of his indictment broke, insisting he had “never accepted a bribe of any type.” Calling the charges a “political prosecution” meant to undermine his credibility before the mayoral race, Lumumba stated, “It is no coincidence that this indictment surfaces right before an election.” In his statement, he maintained that all his actions as mayor have been “in the best interest of Jackson’s citizens.”
FBI Sting Exposes Alleged Bribery Network
According to the federal indictment, the investigation began to escalate with the guilty plea of former Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee in August. Lee admitted to accepting nearly $20,000 from individuals she believed were real estate developers. The “developers,” in fact, were undercover FBI agents conducting a sting operation targeting public corruption in Jackson. Lee's confession revealed what prosecutors allege to be a deeper, systemic problem within the city’s political ranks.
The indictment describes Owens as the architect behind multiple bribe deals, leveraging his position to facilitate payments between developers and influential city officials. According to the court documents, Owens allegedly offered to “secure votes” on the Jackson City Council in favor of a real estate project by “purchasing” support from other city officials.
"Bag of Information": Alleged Bribery and Influence Peddling
The indictment details that Owens allegedly received at least $115,000 in cash and financial promises in exchange for his help securing votes. He reportedly told undercover agents, “I have a bag of [expletive] information on all the city councilmen,” which he claimed allowed him to get favorable votes when needed. In a conversation recorded by FBI agents, Owens boasted that he and his associate “own enough of the city” to influence major decisions, according to the indictment.
Among the details, FBI agents allege that Owens promised to “deliver” the seven-member Jackson Redevelopment Authority (JRA) to support the real estate project proposed by the undercover agents. The indictment quotes Owens describing his influence over the JRA as something he could “give” the agents in exchange for the payments. He also claimed that his connections could ensure votes for any project they wanted approved in Jackson, according to the federal document.
Secret Yacht Meetings and Large Cash Payments
Federal prosecutors revealed details of extravagant meetings where bribes allegedly changed hands. In December, Owens reportedly met with undercover agents on a private jet to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. That evening, the group boarded a yacht, where Owens discussed payments with agents in a private room. The FBI recorded Owens allegedly saying that he brought a bag specifically to carry cash for the trip. The indictment shows that agents gave Owens $125,000 in cash that night, which he purportedly split with other city officials.
In November 2023, Owens allegedly told agents during a victory party for his re-election, “My position as DA is the part-time job; the full-time job is developing.” This comment was made in the context of explaining his priorities in assisting the undercover agents' business interests, according to court records. The indictment also highlights that Owens, while serving as DA, allegedly received another $50,000 in cash from agents during a subsequent meeting on a yacht. He was photographed with the cash in his hand, as documented in the FBI’s evidence.
Charges and Potential Sentences
The indictment, unsealed this week, brings significant charges against each official:
Jody Owens: Eight felony counts, including conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements. He faces up to 90 years in federal prison and $2 million in fines.
Chokwe Antar Lumumba: Charged with conspiracy, federal program bribery, use of an interstate facility in aid of racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering. Conviction could lead to decades in prison.
Aaron Banks: Charged with conspiracy and federal program bribery.
The trial is scheduled for January 6, 2025, setting the stage for what promises to be a high-profile case. If convicted, the officials face significant prison sentences, and the legal proceedings could reshape Jackson’s political future.
Community Response and Officials’ Statements
Following the arraignment, Owens described the indictment as “a flawed FBI investigation” and maintained his innocence. “This is nothing short of an assassination attempt on my career,” he stated to reporters. Owens emphasized his commitment to “continuing to serve Hinds County as the District Attorney.” In response to the charges, Council President Virgi Lindsay and other city leaders expressed cautious support for Lumumba, with Lindsay noting, “An indictment is not an admission of guilt, and a person is innocent until proven guilty.”
Despite mounting evidence, Lumumba and the other officials have all refused to step down, signaling their intent to challenge the accusations head-on. “I am not deterred, and I ask for your patience and prayers,” Lumumba said. Councilman Vernon Hartley added that the city’s leaders must focus on “staying true to the issues that impact Jackson’s residents daily.”
Future of Jackson’s Leadership on Trial
With the trial looming, the scandal continues to reverberate through Jackson, leaving many residents concerned about the integrity of their elected officials. While the city wrestles with the implications of this case, the trial's outcome could have far-reaching consequences for Jackson’s leadership and trust in local government. Residents now await the court proceedings, hoping the case will bring clarity and accountability to a city beset by political
📚 Read the Indictment
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