Additional Coverage:
- FBI agents raided the office and business of a Mississippi prosecutor, but no one is saying why (newsbreak.com)
In Jackson, Mississippi, the FBI conducted a search on the offices and business owned by local prosecutor Jody Owens, though it remains unclear if Owens is under investigation for any misconduct. Agents were seen inspecting Owens’ cigar lounge located in the heart of Jackson and also seized items from his workspace within the Hinds County Courthouse.
FBI spokesperson Marshay Lawson confirmed the operation, stating that federal search warrants were being executed at various sites. The specifics of the investigation, however, are presently under wraps due to court sealing.
Owens, who is serving his second term as Hinds County District Attorney, responded to the raids by emphasizing his cooperation with the FBI’s inquiry. He assured that his office is operational and continues to advocate for the residents of Hinds County despite the ongoing situation.
The Downtown Cigar Co., a venture owned by Owens and legally licensed to sell alcohol, was also a target of the FBI searches. Meanwhile, reports surfaced about FBI agents making inquiries at Jackson City Hall, notably conversing with the mayor’s chief of staff. This event took place near the courthouse that houses Owens’ district attorney office.
Before his election in 2019, Owens was prominent in Mississippi’s legal circles as a senior attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center, where he championed civil rights causes. Having campaigned on a platform of criminal justice reform, he aimed to prioritize the prosecution of violent crimes while exploring non-incarceration options for minor offenses.
However, amidst a surge in violent crime in Jackson, some sources citing the city as having the highest murder rate in the nation, Owens garnered increased funding from Republican legislators for additional prosecutorial staff. Subsequent law enforcement and judicial reforms in Jackson, including expanded jurisdiction for the state-run Capitol Police and the establishment of a state-controlled court with appointed judges, have been met with criticism. Detractors argue these measures equate to a power grab over a predominantly African American city, a move that has been met with legal challenges, including a lawsuit from the NAACP, though the controversy has somewhat subsided recently.
In 2022, an incident involving Owens being charged with simple assault by Capitol Police came to light. He was accused of brandishing a firearm at an individual in Jackson, though Owens has since denied any wrongdoing.