# Mississippi DA bribery scandal

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mississippi-da-bribery-scandal
> Updated: 2026-07-29T20:33:59.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In early July 2026, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiring to commit bribery after an FBI sting operation and subsequently resigned from office.

By the end of July, the Mississippi Supreme Court permanently disbarred Owens, confirming the end of his legal career. The court noted that he faces sentencing on October 15, with a potential prison term of up to five years, a $250,000 fine, and probation. The decision also highlighted the broader corruption case involving former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and former City Council member Aaron Banks, who were accused of accepting bribes tied to a downtown convention‑center hotel project that served as the sting's front. The scandal revealed additional questionable activities, including the use of private planes, strip clubs, and yachts.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-29: Mississippi Supreme Court Disbars Former Hinds County DA Jody Owens

Mississippi’s top court permanently disbarred former Hinds County DA Jody Owens, who pleaded guilty to federal bribery and awaits sentencing alongside ex‑Mayor Chokwe Lumumba and ex‑Councilman Aaron Banks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mississippi-supreme-court-disbars-former-hinds-county-da-jody-owens

### 2026-07-01: Mississippi DA Jody Owens Pleads Guilty, Resigns After FBI Bribery Sting

Mississippi District Attorney Jody Owens pleaded guilty to bribery, accepted $115,000, and resigned after an FBI sting targeting a downtown hotel project.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mississippi-da-jody-owens-pleads-guilty-resigns-after-fbi-bribery-sting

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Cite as: Mississippi DA bribery scandal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mississippi-da-bribery-scandal