JACKSON – Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has pleaded guilty to conspiracy on Monday in connection with a federal bribery case tied to a proposed downtown convention center hotel project.
Lumumba wore a fitted, light gray suit as he stood between three of his attorneys before U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan at 1:30 p.m. for a change of plea hearing. In that hearing, he addressed the judge comfortably, reflecting his career as a trial attorney himself before becoming mayor of Jackson.
He had previously pleaded not guilty to five counts connected to the alleged bribery scheme. Federal prosecutors have said the case involved efforts to move forward with plans for a convention center hotel in downtown Jackson.
Lumumba pleaded guilty to Count 1 of his indictment, which was conspiracy to commit bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering. In the hearing, Jordan and the prosecution laid out for Lumumba what the trial would have looked like if he decided to fight the charges instead of pleading guilty. When Jordan asked him if he agreed with the facts as the prosecution had laid them out, he said, “Yes judge, I accept those facts.”
Jordan pressed him, asking again if he agreed, and the second time he said he did.
Like former Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, who pleaded guilty last Monday to a federal conspiracy charge, Lumumba will remain out on bond until his sentencing on October 15 at 10 a.m.
Jordan reminded Lumumba that because he pleaded guilty, he is now a convicted felon, which means he cannot have guns or ammunition in his immediate vicinity, even if they’re someone else’s.
Lumumba now faces up to 5 years in prison, up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release after prison. Prosecutors say they may also ask for restitution for victims and the forfeiture of certain items to the government.
Following his federal indictment in November 2024, Lumumba had posted a video denying the charges.
“To be clear, I have never accepted a bribe of any type. As the mayor of this city, I have dedicated myself to fighting for the betterment of Jackson, Mississippi, and I will continue to do so.”
The former mayor made no comment as he left the courthouse.
