An indictment unsealed on November 7 charges Jackson, Mississippi, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, 41, with conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
The indictment also charges Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens II, 43, and former Jackson City Council President Aaron Banks, 47. The DOJ alleges that Lumumba, Owens, and Banks conspired to accept bribes in exchange for official actions benefiting supposed real estate developers.
The charges stem from a scheme in which Owens allegedly facilitated bribe payments between October 2023 and May 2024, on behalf of FBI agents posing as developers. As part of the conspiracy, Mayor Lumumba is said to have accepted a $50,000 bribe in exchange for using his influence to take actions related to a proposed downtown Jackson development project.
“The actions of these officials, who allegedly used their positions to enrich themselves, erode public trust in government,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri.
According to U.S. Attorney Todd Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi, the alleged bribery included both campaign donations generated through laundered money and direct cash bribes, all in exchange for official acts.
If convicted, Lumumba faces up to five years for conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering, as well as additional charges with penalties of up to 20 years each for federal program bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering. Owens and Banks each face one count of conspiracy, with similar charges carrying maximum penalties of 20 years.
It’s important to note that an indictment is a formal charge, not a conviction, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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