U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger said Tuesday that race played no role in the federal corruption investigation involving Jackson officials. Kruger, appointed by President Donald Trump in December, responded to claims made Monday by attorneys supporting former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba.
Kruger emphasized that the investigation was not racially motivated. He pointed to the recent conviction of Rudy Warnock, a white former Canton Municipal Utilities engineer, who was sentenced to 12 years for conspiracy to commit bribery. Kruger said the case was based solely on the facts and charges, not race.
Some in Jackson have criticized the sentencing of Lumumba, former Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, and city council member Aaron Banks as too lenient. Kruger disagreed, stating the defendants admitted guilt and that their plea agreements were consistent with federal charges.
The investigation, which began under the Biden administration, led to indictments in 2024 of Owens, Lumumba, and Banks. They were accused of accepting bribes from undercover FBI agents posing as real estate developers seeking approval for downtown Jackson projects. The agents used a sting operation similar to others across the U.S.
The indictment alleged Owens facilitated tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to Lumumba and Banks in exchange for their support of a hotel development in downtown Jackson. Owens faced eight counts, including conspiracy and money laundering, with potential penalties of up to 95 years. Lumumba faced five counts, and Banks two, with maximum sentences of 75 and 15 years, respectively.
All three officials pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy, which carries a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for October, and legal experts suggest the actual sentences may be less severe than originally anticipated. The officials will also forfeit firearms, though prosecutors agreed not to seek forfeiture of Owens’ property, including his tobacco shop, the Downtown Cigar Company.
Kruger noted that the officials’ guilty pleas and admissions of guilt align with the charges, and emphasized that race was not a factor in the investigation or prosecution.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
