The resignation of former Jackson city councilwoman Angelique Lee on Wednesday morning, followed by her subsequent plea of guilty to a federal bribery charge, has stirred a whirlwind of controversy in a city that’s no stranger to it.
FBI raids conducted in Mississippi’s capital city in May 2024 elicited questions of which – or how many – Jackson officials could be facing federal discipline. Beyond Lee, the only official to have charges formally levied against her at this time, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens has deflected rumors that he is involved in the investigation. Owens’ office plus one of his businesses were subject to the raids earlier this year.
“It is our understanding that the federal investigation does not involve Jody’s service as District Attorney,” a statement from Owens’ team reads. “For the past 15 years, Jody has also been engaged in real estate development. This sort of private business activity is permitted by the law even during the time a person serves as a D.A. For the moment, we have no further comment as we await the outcome of the investigation.”
Owens’ comments aside, Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes – a public official since 1989 and someone who never minces words – told reporters on Wednesday evening that events surrounding Lee are a harbinger of more indictments to come. While the justice system has yet to publicly identify one other co-conspirator mentioned in court documents alongside Lee, Stokes said other officials beyond that individual could face charges.
“I believe there’s going to be a number of indictments coming down to this community at the county level and at the city level,” Stokes said, asserting that other city council members and even members of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors will be arrested. “I’ve said several weeks ago that we need to pray for this city, and we need to pray for the county.”
Stokes, who has vouched to be clean and was married to a Jackson judge before her passing last year, hinted that some significant figures could be nabbed in ongoing federal investigations. He also theorized that
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