Jackson Leaders Plea Guilty in Bribery Scandal | Roanoke News

Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and City Council President Aaron Banks stunned the public by pleading guilty to bribery conspiracy just days before trial—joining District Attorney Jody Owens, who also took a plea deal and resigned. The scheme, uncovered by undercover real estate developers, involved $115K in bribes to push a development project, with Owens allegedly funneling money to Lumumba, Banks, and Councilmember Angelique Lee. Lee and businessman Sherik Marve Smith had already admitted guilt. Lumumba, who lost his reelection bid and claimed political targeting, now faces up to five years in prison—along with Banks and Owens—when sentencing rolls around October 15. The city’s leadership is in turmoil as legal fallout continues. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f3cc7af2902f2532