Mississippi district attorney Jody Owens resigns after pleading guilty in federal bribery case: report

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens resigned connected Monday aft pleading blameworthy successful a sprawling national bribery lawsuit successful Mississippi.

Owens pleaded blameworthy to a conspiracy complaint Monday successful U.S. District Court successful Jackson, according to a study by section outlet WAPT.

An October 2024 indictment initially charged Owens with conspiracy, national programme bribery, ligament fraud, wealth laundering and making mendacious statements, according to the report.

The lawsuit stemmed from a 2022 FBI undercover cognition wherever agents posed arsenic existent property developers funny successful gathering a normal halfway edifice successful downtown Jackson, the outlet reported. 

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, MAYOR FACING FEDERAL BRIBERY CHARGES TRAILS CHALLENGER IN MAYORAL ELECTION RESULTS

DA Jody Owens entered a blameworthy plea connected Monday pursuing an October 2024 indictment. (Office of the Hinds County District Attorney)

Federal prosecutors allegedthat  Owens accepted astatine slightest $115,000 successful cash, on with promises of aboriginal fiscal perks, successful speech for utilizing his power to propulsion the task done metropolis authorities channels, according to WAPT.

Undercover recordings allegedly captured Owens detailing however nationalist officials could beryllium bribed and however the illicit funds could beryllium laundered done businesses and run donations, the outlet reported.

DA Jody Owens was charged pursuing a national probe involving the FBI. (Office of the Hinds County District Attorney)

RESIGNATION IS THE NEW ESCAPE HATCH AS LAWMAKERS FACE EXPULSION

In the aftermath of his blameworthy plea, Owens took to Facebook connected Monday to denote his authoritative resignation, which takes effect July 1.

Calling it "one of the astir hard decisions" helium has ever made, Owens wrote that portion it "hurts beyond measure" to permission a presumption helium loves, it was the champion prime for his household and the territory attorney's office. 

DA Jody Owens announced his resignation Monday pursuing his blameworthy plea. (Office of the Hinds County District Attorney)

"Serving arsenic your District Attorney has been the privilege and grant of a lifetime," Owens wrote successful the post. 

"To everyone who has supported, encouraged, and prayed for Michelle, our children, and maine implicit these past 2 years, convey you.… As we statesman this adjacent chapter, I inquire lone that you proceed to support our household successful your prayers," helium added.

A conspiracy condemnation carries a maximum condemnation of 5 years successful national prison, on with a $250,000 good and 3 years of supervised release.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Owens’ sentencing day has been acceptable for Oct. 15.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Mississippi and Hinds County District Attorney's Office did not instantly respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.