JACKSON, MISS. — Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, wire fraud and money laundering in federal court in Jackson on July 6, 2026. The guilty plea averted a trial that had been set for July 13.

"To be clear, I have never accepted a bribe of any type," Lumumba said. "As mayor, I have always acted in the best interests of the city of Jackson."

Lumumba, 43, is an attorney who was first elected mayor in 2017, winning that election with 93% of the vote. He lost his reelection bid in 2025. He left the courthouse with his wife, Eboni.

A November 2024 indictment accused an individual named Owens of taking at least $115,000 from two FBI agents posing as real estate developers. The indictment alleged Owens facilitated more than $80,000 in bribe payments to Lumumba, Banks and Lee in exchange for assistance in greenlighting a development project. Prosecutors alleged Lumumba took $50,000 in bribes through five checks disguised as campaign contributions. Owens received similar payments and cashed the checks through his bank account.

The indictment indicated that Lumumba, Owens and another co-conspirator were flown to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by private jet in April 2024 for a purported campaign event. During this trip, federal agents posing as representatives of a development company handed money to Lumumba, Owens and another co-conspirator. Lumumba subsequently contacted the city's director of development and planning to reschedule a crucial meeting where the hotel project was to be discussed.

Lumumba, Banks and Owens, all Democrats, could face sentences of up to five years in prison. Lumumba and Banks also face a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing hearings for Lumumba, Banks and Owens are scheduled for Oct. 15.

Attorney Jaribu Hill commented on the proceedings. "As you can see, the legacy has not been tarnished," Hill said. "What's been tarnished, if anything, is the ongoing facade of justice."

Mawuli Davis, co-chair of the NCBL, released a statement. "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 said. "The NCBL stands with Mayor Lumumba and his family as they seek to move beyond this difficult chapter."