Jackson mayor and other local Mississippi officials accused of bribery

The mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, pleaded not guilty to charges related to a bribery scheme involving a proposed hotel project near the city’s convention center. The scheme allegedly involved district attorney Jody Owens and former City Council president Aaron Banks. The charges include bribery, money laundering, and lying to federal officers. The indictment also alleges that the FBI was involved and captured exchanges on video and audio. The trial is set for January 6, shortly after the qualifying period for the city’s 2025 mayoral election opens. The accused individuals maintain their innocence and vow to continue serving the city.