Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens has resigned after pleading guilty to a federal conspiracy charge linked to a major bribery investigation in Mississippi.
Owens entered the guilty plea in a U.S. District Court in Jackson on Monday. He had originally been indicted in October 2024 on multiple charges, including conspiracy, federal program bribery, wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements.
The investigation originated from an FBI undercover operation in 2022, during which agents posed as real estate developers seeking approval for a convention center hotel project in downtown Jackson.
Prosecutors alleged that Owens accepted at least $115,000 in cash, along with promises of future financial benefits, in exchange for using his influence to help advance the proposed development through local government channels.
Authorities also claimed undercover recordings captured Owens discussing how public officials could allegedly be bribed and how illegal payments could be disguised through businesses and campaign contributions.
Following his guilty plea, Owens announced his resignation in a Facebook post, describing the decision as one of the most difficult of his career. He said stepping down was the best decision for his family and the district attorney’s office.
Owens thanked residents for their support throughout his tenure and asked for continued prayers for his family as they move forward.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release.
