Mayor of Jackson Charged with Federal Bribery Indictment

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba stated that he was indicted on bribery charges, which he believes are politically motivated to undermine his 2025 reelection campaign.

The mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, revealed that he has been indicted on bribery charges by a federal grand jury.

Lumumba described the indictment as a “political prosecution” aimed at sabotaging his 2025 reelection bid.

In a prerecorded video statement shared on social media, Lumumba asserted, “My legal team has confirmed that federal prosecutors have indicted me on bribery and related charges. I want to make it clear that I have never accepted a bribe of any kind. As mayor, I have always acted in the best interest of the city of Jackson,” reported WLBT News.

The indictment, which has not been publicly released, stemmed from a sting operation involving undercover FBI agents posing as real estate investors from Nashville, Tennessee.

Lumumba’s legal team has vowed to vigorously defend him against the allegations.

Lumumba added, “We view this as a political prosecution aimed at tarnishing my credibility and reputation within the community.”

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Another city official, Angelique Lee, a council member and Democrat, resigned after pleading guilty to similar charges in August.

Prosecutors alleged that Lee received thousands of dollars from undercover FBI agents posing as real estate developers interested in constructing a hotel in downtown Jackson.

In October, Sherik Marve Smith, a Hinds County businessman, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. According to court documents, Smith conspired with three unindicted co-conspirators, elected officials in the City of Jackson, to offer valuable items in exchange for favors.

Jackson City Council President Virgi Lindsay cautioned patience and respect for the legal process following Lumumba’s indictment.

Lindsay, also a Democrat, stated, “I remind myself that the presumption of innocence is fundamental to our criminal justice system. Therefore, I will continue to focus on the council’s work and trust in the legal system to proceed without unnecessary comments from me,” as reported by WAPT-TV.

The Epoch Times reached out to Lumumba’s campaign for a response.

Contributions from The Associated Press.