In a stunning development, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens and Jackson, Mississippi, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba have been indicted on federal bribery charges. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges the two officials accepted substantial bribes from undercover FBI informants posing as real estate developers seeking favorable treatment for downtown Jackson projects.
According to the indictment, Owens and Lumumba conspired to solicit and accept bribes totaling $115,000. Prosecutors allege that Owens directed the undercover informants to pay $50,000 of the sum to Lumumba. In return, Lumumba allegedly used his official position to support the developers’ proposed ventures.
If convicted, both men could face up to 20 years in prison, a potential end to their political careers.
Jody Owens, elected as Hinds County DA in 2019, received substantial backing from progressive donors, including $500,000 from the Mississippi Justice and Public Safety PAC, a group funded by billionaire George Soros. Owens campaigned on a platform emphasizing criminal justice reform and alternatives to incarceration, aligning with Soros’s broader goals of reshaping the U.S. justice system.
Lumumba, known for his progressive policies and activism, has similarly enjoyed strong political support. In 2021, Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed him, hailing his commitment to “justice, progress, and equity.”
However, this scandal marks a significant fall from grace for both men, who have been prominent figures in Mississippi’s political landscape.
Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, underscored the gravity of the charges, stating, “Public officials who abuse their positions for personal gain erode trust in government institutions. This indictment demonstrates our commitment to holding corrupt officials accountable and restoring public confidence.”
Court documents reveal that Owens was recorded making incriminating statements during multiple meetings with undercover FBI agents between October 2023 and May 2024. In one particularly damning conversation, Owens allegedly said, “I don’t care where the money comes from. It can be blood diamonds from Africa, I don’t give a [expletive]. My job is to get this deal done and make it happen.”
Such brazen remarks have fueled outrage and further tarnished the reputations of both Owens and Lumumba.
This case is the latest in a series of controversies involving district attorneys supported by Soros-funded initiatives. In May 2023, former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, another Soros-backed DA, resigned amid criticism over her handling of violent crime cases. Gardner faced public backlash after a repeat offender under her jurisdiction caused a car crash that left a teenage girl paralyzed.
These incidents have intensified scrutiny of progressive district attorneys, with critics arguing that their policies prioritize ideology over public safety and accountability.
The indictment has sent shockwaves through Mississippi’s political circles. Owens and Lumumba both pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on Thursday, signaling their intent to fight the charges.
Jackson residents expressed mixed reactions. Some voiced disappointment in leaders they once trusted, while others reserved judgment, emphasizing the need for a fair trial.
Nationally, the case has reignited debates over campaign financing and the influence of wealthy donors like Soros in shaping local law enforcement policies.
While Owens and Lumumba prepare to mount their legal defenses, the political fallout is likely to be significant. Owens’s tenure as DA has been marked by controversy even before this indictment. He previously faced allegations of sexual harassment during his campaign and was accused of brandishing a firearm at a colleague’s home.
For Lumumba, the charges could derail his progressive agenda and damage his standing within the Democratic Party.
Meanwhile, Governor Tate Reeves and other Mississippi officials have called for swift justice and a thorough investigation into any other potential misconduct.
As the case unfolds, the spotlight will remain on Owens and Lumumba, with many viewing this indictment as a pivotal moment in the broader conversation about public corruption and accountability. Whether they can clear their names or face conviction, the ramifications of this scandal will undoubtedly reverberate far beyond Mississippi.