BREAKING: Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba Pleads Guilty in Federal Bribery Conspiracy Case

JACKSON, MS. (BuzzReport) — In a stunning development that marks another major chapter in one of Mississippi’s most high-profile public corruption investigations, former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a bribery conspiracy tied to a proposed downtown convention center hotel project.

Lumumba appeared before U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan on Monday afternoon for a scheduled change-of-plea hearing, where he formally admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy.

The guilty plea comes just one week before Lumumba and former Jackson City Council Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks were scheduled to stand trial on multiple federal corruption charges.

Guilty Plea Carries Up to Five Years in Prison

Under the terms of the plea, Lumumba faces:

• Up to 5 years in federal prison
• A maximum $250,000 fine

The former mayor had previously pleaded not guilty to five federal charges stemming from an alleged bribery scheme involving developers seeking support for a convention center hotel in downtown Jackson.

Federal prosecutors alleged the conspiracy involved public officials accepting bribes and engaging in corrupt dealings connected to the proposed development project.

Another Major Guilty Plea in Expanding Corruption Investigation

Lumumba’s guilty plea comes just days after another prominent Mississippi official, former Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, also pleaded guilty for his role in the same federal investigation.

Owens pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, exposing him to the same maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The plea agreement significantly reduced Owens’ legal exposure. He had originally been indicted on eight federal counts, which collectively carried the possibility of up to 100 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

A Dramatic Fall for Jackson’s Former Mayor

Lumumba served as mayor of Jackson from 2017 until 2025, becoming one of the city’s most recognizable political figures and a nationally known progressive voice. His administration frequently focused on infrastructure, economic development, environmental justice, and social equity.

His guilty plea now represents a dramatic fall from public office and leaves a lasting mark on his political legacy.

Federal authorities have continued to pursue multiple public officials as part of the broader corruption probe, signaling an aggressive effort to hold elected leaders accountable for alleged abuses of public trust.

Investigation Continues

The federal investigation remains ongoing, and additional proceedings are expected in the coming weeks as prosecutors continue pursuing remaining defendants, including former Councilman Aaron Banks, unless further plea agreements are reached.

The BuzzReport will continue following this developing case and provide updates on sentencing hearings, court filings, and any additional charges or plea agreements as they become available.