Mississippi DA Jody Owens Pleads Guilty, Resigns After FBI Bribery Sting

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens pleaded guilty in federal court to a single count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The plea stems from an FBI undercover operation that targeted a proposed convention‑center hotel project in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Prosecutors say Owens accepted at least $115,000 in cash and helped facilitate additional payments while coaching the undercover agents on how to bribe officials and launder the money.

Owens announced his resignation, effective July 1, and awaits sentencing on October 15. He faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The case also implicates other local officials, but Owens’ guilty plea leaves the Hinds County DA’s office without its elected leader.