After the first Jackson City Council meeting he’s attended in person in nearly a month, Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks declined to answer questions surrounding the Jackson bribery scandal and if he’s involved.
“Nope,” Banks responded when the Clarion Ledger asked if he would answer questions about the scandal after Tuesday’s council meeting. He then walked upstairs to his second-floor office in Jackson City Hall.
Since Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit bribery charge on Aug. 15, Banks has not responded to the Clarion Ledger’s multiple requests for comment. When the second conspirator, Sherik Marve’ Smith, a local insurance specialist, pleaded guilty to the same charge on Oct. 17, Banks again did not respond.
After Smith’s guilty plea, it was revealed that Smith and an “Unindicted Co-conspirator A” helped to facilitate bribes from two undercover FBI agents posed as Nashville real estate developers to two unidentified Jackson elected officials, according to court documents. All that is known about “Unindicted Co-conspirator A” is they are resident of Hinds County.