JACKSON — Former Jackson City Council President Aaron Banks pleaded guilty Monday to a federal conspiracy charge in the public corruption case tied to a proposed convention center hotel development in downtown Jackson.
Banks, the former Ward 6 councilman, changed his plea after months of maintaining his innocence. He is the third and final defendant in the case to plead guilty, following former Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens and former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba. All three pleaded to the conspiracy charge, which carries up to 5 years and a $250,000 fine.
Banks had been facing two federal charges in connection with the alleged bribery scheme.
Court records previously showed Banks sought to have his trial separated from Owens, arguing their defenses were incompatible. In the motion, Banks asserted an “actual innocence” defense, while Owens had argued he was the victim of outrageous government conduct and entrapment before ultimately pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy.
According to federal prosecutors, Banks agreed to accept up to $83,000 in benefits in exchange for supporting a proposed hotel development adjacent to the Jackson Convention Complex.
Prosecutors alleged those benefits included $25,000 in cash, a job for a family member in the Hinds County District Attorney’s Office and a security detail.
Banks, Owens and Lumumba were indicted in late 2024 following a federal investigation into the alleged bribery scheme.
With Banks’ guilty plea, all three defendants charged in the case have now admitted guilt, eliminating the need for the trial that had been scheduled to begin later this month.
