Lumumba permanently disbarred by Mississippi Supreme Court

Lumumba permanently disbarred by. Lumumba permanently disbarred by Mississippi Supreme Court.

Key points

• FILE – Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba watches a debate at the Mississippi Capitol on Feb.
• Former Jackson mayor Chokwe Lumumba has officially been disbarred by the Mississippi Supreme Court.
• Wealthy Florida trial lawyer who wants Democrats to usher in another New Accord is funding ad blitz for Colom in Mississippi.
• As previously documented, Lumumba, Banks, and Owens were indicted in October 2024.
• Former Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee was the first public official charged in the investigation.

FILE – Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba watches a debate at the Mississippi Capitol on Feb. 7, 2023, in Jackson, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File).

Notably, the former Jackson mayor's disbarment follows his pleading guilty to a felony conspiracy charge. He is due to be sentenced on November 5.

Notably, the order of permanent disbarment came Thursday after the Mississippi Bar's motion to accept the irrevocable resignation of Lumumba.

Lumumba's disbarment follows his pleading guilty to a felony conspiracy charge in July related to the Jackson bribery scandal that additionally involved former Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens and former city councilpersons Angelique Lee and Aaron Banks.

Lumumba, a Democrat, was facing various charges which included wire fraud, funds laundering and bribery.

As previously documented, Lumumba, Banks, and Owens were indicted in October 2024. The case centered on two FBI confidential assets posing as real estate developers. The pair sought backing for a proposed hotel near the Jackson Convention Complex. Prosecutors alleged the purported developers applied private plane travel, cash payments, campaign checks and other benefits. It included a trip to a famous Miami area strip club, to secure official action from Jackson office-holders.

Former Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee was the first public official charged in the investigation. She pleaded guilty in August 2024 after admitting she accepted bribes from undercover FBI operatives posing as developers in exchange for her backing of the hotel project. Lee resigned from the City Council the day of her plea.

In practice, the indictment against Owens, Lumumba and Banks alleged that payments to Lumumba included five $10, 000 campaign contribution checks delivered during a yacht trip off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Prosecutors remarked the checks were produced to appear as though they came from Mississippi donors. According to the indictment, Lumumba accepted the checks in exchange for agreeing to move up the deadline for a request for qualifications connected to the hotel project. Prosecutors alleged Lumumba called a city employee while on the yacht and directed that the RFQ deadline be changed. Notably, the indictment additionally alleged Owens received $50, 000 in cash during the Florida trip for his role in facilitating the payment to Lumumba.

Federal prosecutors further alleged Owens facilitated payments to Banks and Lee. In February 2024, according to court filings, the undercover operatives offered Owens $60, 000 in cash, including $25, 000 for Owens, $25, 000 for Banks and $10, 000 for Lee. Prosecutors remarked Owens informed the operatives he would store Banks' and Lee's funds in a safe at the Hinds County District Attorney's Office. That same day, according to the indictment, Owens offered Banks an envelope containing $10, 000 in cash. Prosecutors additionally alleged Banks accepted protective services and employment for a family member in connection with the scheme.

Owens, Lumumba and Banks had repeatedly sought to have the case against them dismissed or separated, raising arguments that included entrapment, administration misconduct, venue worries and requests for separate trials. The three former elected authorities will be sentenced on November 5. The order from the Mississippi Supreme Court is shown below. Regarding the Author(s).

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For almost two decades, he has noted and offered analysis on administration, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank's interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: [email protected].

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Taken together, the developments around lumumba permanently disbarred by Mississippi Supreme Court point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.