Jackson, Mississippi—The mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, Chokwe Antar Lumumba, announced on Wednesday that he has been indicted on federal bribery charges, a development he claims is a politically motivated effort to undermine his 2025 re-election campaign.
In a video statement shared widely by local news, including WJTV, Lumumba asserted his innocence. “I have never accepted a bribe of any type. As mayor, I have always acted in the best interests of the city of Jackson,” said Lumumba, a Democrat who has served as mayor since 2017. Federal court records did not immediately confirm the specifics of the indictment.
The charges reportedly stem from an FBI operation in which undercover agents, posing as real estate investors, allegedly met with Lumumba at a fundraiser in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 3. According to WLBT, the agents expressed interest in supporting his re-election campaign while developing property in Jackson’s downtown area.
The indictment follows another recent conviction linked to the same investigation. Former Jackson city councilmember Angelique Lee, also a Democrat, resigned in August and pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges.
In response to his own charges, Lumumba pledged a strong legal defense. “We believe this to be a political prosecution, primarily designed to destroy my credibility and reputation within the community,” he said.
Jackson City Council President Virgi Lindsay urged patience from Jackson residents, emphasizing that the presumption of innocence is fundamental to the legal system. "I will remain focused on the work of our city council, and trust the legal system to unfold without undue commentary from me,” Lindsay stated.
The indictment adds to ongoing challenges for Jackson, a city facing significant social and economic issues, and where Lumumba has been a central figure in efforts to address them.
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