How the FBI posing as Nashville 'investors' led to indictment against the mayor of Jackson, Mississippi

Three Jackson, Mississippi leaders have been indicted on federal charges as part of a bribery scandal: Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks and Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens.

On Wednesday, Lumumba called the indictment a political prosecution , designed to "destroy his credibility and reputation within the community."

"There is no coincidence, and its timing being just before the upcoming mayoral race. My legal team will vigorously defend me against these charges," he said in a video statement. "Again, while I am disappointed, I am not deterred, so I ask for your patience and your prayers during this process."

According to a recently unsealed indictment, Owens facilitated over $80,000 in bribe payments to Lumumba, Banks and former Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee, in exchange for their agreement to take official action on the city's long-sought after hotel development project across the street from the Jackson Convention Complex.

The alleged bribery scheme dates back to October 2023 when Owens traveled to Nashville along with a second conspirator Sherik Marve' Smith, on Oct. 9-11 on a private jet paid for by the FBI to "discuss business opportunities." More recently, Owens accepted at least $115,000 in cash and "promises of future financial benefits" from two undercover FBI agents posing as Nashville developers.

Here is what led to the indictment.

Why did Owens and Smith travel to Nashville? Defendants were 'ready' and 'willing' to engage in bribery, reads indictment

In October of 2023, Owens and Smith traveled to Nashville on a private jet paid for by the FBI to "discuss business opportunities."

According to the indictment, Owens was "ready, willing, and predisposed to engage in bribery" as early as Oct. 16, 2023. That same day, Owens told the Nashville "developers" about his influence in Jackson and the ability to purchase the support of public officials in Jackson.

Jackson Bribery scandal: Mayor Lumumba, DA Owens, Councilman Banks plead not guilty

During a victory party for Owens when he was reelected on November 7, 2023, he told the developers "unprompted" that his position as DA was "the part-time job" and that the full-time job was developing.

The following day, the undercover agents met Owens, Smith and "Witness 1," and negotiated a payment of $250,000 to be paid to Owens, Smith and the witness. Owens and Smith were to be paid $100,000 each, while the witness was to be paid $50,000, reported the Clarion Ledger.

The defendants then traveled to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida along with the developers on another private jet paid for by the FBI. A long-winded series of cash transactions between the defendants and the developers ensued.