Story perspectives

Hinds County DA Owens Pleads Guilty, Resigns July 1

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens pleaded guilty to conspiracy in Jackson federal court to avoid a bribery trial.
Owens will resign on July 1.
The FBI sting said Owens took at least $115,000 in cash and arranged $80,000+ payments, including $50,000 for former mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba’s campaign.
A conviction carries up to five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release.

History

Historical Context

In March 1978 FBI agent John F. Good launched the ABSCAM sting, turning a stolen-property probe into a corruption operation that videotaped officials taking cash. The two-year effort led to 31 investigations, $1.5 million seized and the 1981 conviction of seven members of Congress, including Rep. Michael Myers and Sen. Harrison Williams. ABSCAM’s aggressive undercover tactics prompted the 1981 Civiletti Guidelines that shape federal sting operations.

1 of 2

Story summary

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens pleaded guilty to conspiracy in Jackson federal court to avoid a bribery trial.
Owens will resign on July 1.
The FBI sting said Owens took at least $115,000 in cash and arranged $80,000+ payments, including $50,000 for former mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba’s campaign.
A conviction carries up to five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release.

1 / 2