Mississippi DA Jody Owens resigned after pleading guilty in a federal bribery case
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Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens resigned Monday after pleading guilty in a high-profile bribery case in Mississippi.
Owens pleaded guilty to conspiracy on Monday in US District Court in Jackson, according to a report by local outlet WAPT.
The October 2024 indictment originally charged Owens with conspiracy, bribery, fraud, money laundering and making false statements, according to the report.
The case stems from a 2022 undercover FBI operation in which agents posed as real estate developers interested in building a convention center hotel in downtown Jackson, the report said.
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DA Jody Owens filed the lawsuit Monday following the October 2024 indictment. (Hinds County District Attorney's Office)
Federal prosecutors allege Owens accepted at least $115,000 in cash, along with promises of future financial benefits, to use his influence to push the project through city government channels, according to WAPT.
The undercover recording allegedly captured Owens detailing how government officials could be bribed and how illegal funds could be obtained through businesses and campaign contributions, the newspaper reported.
DA Jody Owens was indicted following a federal investigation involving the FBI. (Hinds County District Attorney's Office)
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After pleading guilty, Owens took to Facebook on Monday to officially announce his resignation, effective July 1.
Calling it “one of the hardest decisions” he's ever made, Owens wrote that while it was “extremely painful” to leave the position he loved, it was the best decision for his family and the district attorney's office.
DA Jody Owens announced her resignation Monday following her guilty plea. (Hinds County District Attorney's Office)
“Serving as your District Attorney has been the privilege and honor of a lifetime,” Owens wrote in the post.
“To everyone who has supported, encouraged, and prayed for Michelle, our children, and me over the past two years, thank you… As we begin this next chapter, I only ask that you continue to keep our family in your prayers,” he added.
A conviction for conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, as well as a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
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Owens' sentencing date is scheduled for October 15.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Mississippi and the Hinds County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
