Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens resigned on Monday after pleading guilty to a conspiracy charge in a federal bribery case in Mississippi.
According to local television station WAPT, Owens pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge in U.S. District Court in Jackson. An indictment filed in October 2024 had charged him with conspiracy, federal program bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements.
The case stemmed from an undercover operation in 2022 in which FBI agents posed as real estate developers seeking to build a convention center hotel in downtown Jackson.
At least $115,000 in bribes
Federal prosecutors alleged that Owens accepted at least $115,000 in cash and promises of future financial benefits in exchange for using his influence to push the project through city government channels.
Secret recordings reportedly captured Owens detailing how to bribe public officials and launder illegal funds through businesses and campaign contributions.
Resignation announced on Facebook
Shortly after his guilty plea, Owens posted on his Facebook account on Monday to announce his official resignation, effective July 1. Describing the decision as "one of the hardest I have ever made," Owens wrote that leaving a job he loved caused "indescribable pain" but that it was the right choice for his family and the district attorney's office.
In his post, Owens said, "Serving as your District Attorney was the privilege and honor of my life," thanked everyone for their support, and asked for prayers for his family.
Sentencing hearing in October
The conspiracy conviction carries a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Owens' sentencing hearing 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 requests for comment.
