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Jackson

All articles tagged with #jackson

localnews23 hours ago

Suspect in custody after blaze damages Mississippi’s largest synagogue; vow to rebuild

Authorities say a fire heavily damaged Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi’s largest synagogue, and a suspect has been taken into custody in what officials call arson; the FBI and Joint Terrorism Task Force are aiding the investigation. No one was injured, several Torahs were damaged or destroyed, and leaders vow to rebuild while continuing Shabbat worship with support from other congregations.

politics1 year ago

Jackson's Leadership Under Fire Amid Bribery Scandal and Campaign Finance Scrutiny

Jackson, Mississippi's Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, along with other local officials, is embroiled in a federal bribery investigation, casting a shadow over the city's leadership and efforts to improve living conditions. The scandal, involving alleged bribes from undercover FBI agents, exacerbates existing tensions between the predominantly Black Democratic city leadership and the mostly white Republican state officials. This crisis comes amid ongoing challenges like infrastructure issues and high crime rates, potentially impacting Lumumba's upcoming mayoral race.

crime1 year ago

Jackson Mayor Faces Federal Corruption Charges Amid Bribery Scandal

A federal bribery investigation in Jackson, Mississippi, has led to the indictment of several city officials, including the mayor and a district attorney, for allegedly accepting bribes from undercover FBI agents posing as developers. The scheme involved promises of cash and perks in exchange for support on a fake hotel project. The investigation revealed a network of corruption, with officials allegedly receiving over $100,000 in bribes. The scandal adds to the city's recent challenges, including a water crisis and garbage collection issues.

politics1 year ago

Jackson Officials Face Bribery Charges in Undercover Sting Operation

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens have been indicted on charges including conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering following an FBI sting operation. The operation involved undercover agents posing as developers offering campaign contributions in exchange for favorable treatment in a downtown development project. The investigation revealed a pattern of corruption among Jackson officials, with allegations of cash bribes and misuse of campaign funds. Both Lumumba and Owens have denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

politics1 year ago

Jackson Mayor and Officials Face Federal Bribery Charges

Jackson, Mississippi's Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, along with Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens and former City Council President Aaron Banks, has been indicted in a federal bribery scheme involving a proposed hotel project. The allegations include accepting bribes from undercover FBI agents posing as developers. Lumumba and Owens have pleaded not guilty, while Angelique Lee, a former council member, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy. The case highlights ongoing corruption issues in Mississippi, with a trial set for January 2025.

politics1 year ago

Jackson Leaders Indicted in Major Bribery Scandal

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Councilman Aaron Banks, and DA Jody Owens have pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to a bribery scandal involving a hotel development project. The charges include conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering, with potential sentences ranging from 15 to 90 years. The scandal follows guilty pleas from other officials and involves undercover FBI agents posing as developers. The trial is set for January 2025, and all accused officials plan to continue their duties while contesting the charges.

crime1 year ago

Jackson Officials Indicted in Widespread Bribery Scandal

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and Councilman Aaron Banks are facing multiple federal charges related to a bribery scheme involving a convention center hotel project in Jackson, Mississippi. Owens faces eight counts, including conspiracy and bribery, while Lumumba faces five, and Banks two. The scheme involved soliciting bribes from developers posing as real estate professionals, with Owens allegedly facilitating over $80,000 in payments. Former Councilwoman Angelique Lee and businessman Sherik Marve’ Smith have already pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme.

crime1 year ago

Parents Turn in 14-Year-Old Suspect in Jackson Carjacking Amid Safety Fears

A 14-year-old suspect has been arrested for an armed carjacking in Jackson, Mississippi, after being turned in by a parent. The suspect faces charges of armed carjacking and six counts of aggravated assault, with a bond set at $1.75 million. The incident, involving the theft of a Hyundai Elantra at gunpoint, was captured on a Ring doorbell camera. The second suspect remains at large.

crime1 year ago

Jackson Police Arrest Two Women, Seek Man in Double Homicide Case

Two women have been arrested and a man is wanted in connection to the homicide of Larry Reynolds in Jackson, Mississippi. Reynolds was last seen on Campbell Street, and his body has not been found. Tanorri Moore is wanted for Reynolds' murder and is considered armed and dangerous. Arlean Stubbs and Etta Epps were charged with accessory after the fact of murder and evidence tampering. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Jackson Police Department or Crime Stoppers.

law-enforcement1 year ago

FBI Raids Hinds County DA's Office and Business, DA Responds

The FBI raided businesses owned by Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens II, including his office and Downtown Cigar Company, as part of a federal investigation. Owens stated that his office is cooperating fully with the authorities. The FBI has not disclosed details of the investigation, but sources suggest it may be related to the city's garbage contract issues.