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Former Jackson, Miss. Mayor Lumumba pleads guilty in bribery scandal
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in a federal bribery case involving a proposed downtown convention center project, admitting to accepting $50,000 in disguised campaign contributions in exchange for moving the project's deadline.
- The bribery scheme was uncovered through an FBI undercover operation where agents posed as Nashville real estate developers seeking preferential treatment for the hotel project.
- Lumumba faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing pending; his guilty plea followed that of former Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens II, who also resigned.
- Other city officials, including former Jackson City Council Vice President Angelique Lee and businessman Sherik Smith, have been indicted and pleaded guilty in connection with the scandal.
- Lumumba had previously denied wrongdoing and unsuccessfully sought to dismiss the indictment but entered his plea days before his scheduled trial alongside former City Councilman Aaron Banks, who remains set for trial.
