Former Democratic mayor of state capital city pleads guilty for role in six-figure real estate bribery scheme

July 8, 2026 - 01:19

Former Jackson, Mississippi mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges connected to a bribery scheme involving real estate developers. Court documents reveal that Lumumba accepted $50,000 in campaign contributions from undercover FBI agents who were posing as developers seeking favorable treatment on a downtown construction project.

The scheme unfolded over several months in 2023, when the agents approached Lumumba with offers of cash in exchange for his influence in securing city contracts and zoning approvals. Prosecutors say Lumumba agreed to use his position to push through a six-figure real estate deal, promising to steer city business toward the fake developers. In return, he pocketed the contributions, which were funneled through a shell company to avoid detection.

Lumumba, a Democrat who served as mayor from 2017 until his resignation last week, initially maintained his innocence. However, during a hearing at the federal courthouse, he admitted to accepting the bribes and acknowledged that his actions violated public trust. The plea deal carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison, though sentencing guidelines may reduce that range. A judge set the sentencing date for early next year.

The case has shaken Jackson's political landscape, with residents expressing anger over corruption in a city already grappling with infrastructure woes and financial strain. Federal investigators emphasized that the probe is ongoing, hinting at possible additional charges against other city officials. Lumumba's attorney declined to comment after the hearing.