Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba pleaded guilty on Monday to federal conspiracy charges involving bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering.
The case stems from an FBI sting operation, as reported by The Guardian.
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Lumumba, 43, was indicted in November 2024 alongside two other elected Democrats. They were accused of accepting illegal payments to secure a real estate deal.
The former mayor had previously called the case a political prosecution. He maintained his innocence before entering the plea.
“To be clear, I have never accepted a bribe of any type,” Lumumba had said. He added that he always acted in the city's best interests.
The plea agreement averted a trial scheduled for July 13. It also prevented full disclosure of the undercover FBI operation.
Former city council member Aaron Banks also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Both were released pending sentencing in October.
Each faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
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US Assistant Attorney Dave Fulcher said prosecutors were ready to show Lumumba accepted $50,000 in bribes disguised as campaign contributions.
The National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL) expressed support. Attorney Jaribu Hill noted many supporters attended the hearing.
“As you can see, the legacy has not been tarnished,” Hill said. “What's been tarnished, if anything, is the ongoing facade of justice.”
NCBL co-chair Mawuli Davis said Lumumba made a personal choice to resolve the case. He highlighted broader systemic issues faced by minority officials.
“Black elected officials have too often exercised leadership under a level of scrutiny and political pressure that is neither equally applied nor equally experienced,” Davis stated.
The investigation also implicated former Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens and former council member Angelique Lee.
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Federal agents posing as developers handed bribe money during a purported campaign trip to Florida in April 2024.
