Citizen Report No. 1783288248 - 752089108

Jody Owens

Hinds County District Attorney

P.O. Box 22747

Jackson, Mississippi 39225-2747

(601) 968-6568

http://www.hindscou…

Date of Offense

June 29, 2026

Offense(s)

Abuse of Authority

Criminal Charges and/or Conviction

Bribery

Fraud

Statement

On June 29, 2026, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens entered a plea of guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.

The conviction stems from a comprehensive FBI sting operation spanning 2023 and 2024. Undercover federal agents, posing as real estate developers seeking to build a downtown convention center hotel in Jackson, Mississippi, engaged Owens to facilitate access to local politicians.

According to federal court records, Owens solicited and accepted at least $115,000 in cash bribes for his own enrichment. Furthermore, he acted as a middleman to facilitate over $80,000 in bribe payments to other public officials—including former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and city council members—to manipulate local government processes and secure project approval. Secretly recorded FBI audio captured Owens discussing using his private businesses (including the Downtown Cigar Company) to "clean the money."

Pleaded guilty to one federal count of conspiracy on June 29, 2026.
Resigned from his position as Hinds County District Attorney on June 29, 2026 (effective July 1, 2026).
Scheduled for October 15, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III. Faces up to five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Subject to automatic disciplinary action and impending disbarment by the Mississippi Bar Association due to a felony conviction involving moral turpitude.
Any and all past case files, active prosecutions, or investigations touched, directed, or negotiated by Jody Owens during his tenure as District Attorney must be evaluated for immediate disclosure to defense counsel. His conviction for federal conspiracy and bribery completely compromises his credibility, institutional integrity, and character for truthfulness.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/06/29/hinds-county-district-attorney-pleads-guilty-on-corruption-charges-in-jackson-mississippi/90743278007/

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