Days after a second conspirator pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges, a few members of the Jackson City Council have — and a few haven’t — responded to questions regarding the bribery scandal that involves at least two more unidentified Jackson elected officials.
Speaking after the council’s Legislative Committee meeting on Monday, Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote and Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley at first said they are worried about how the bribery scandal will affect residents’ trust of Jackson’s government.
Asked which elected officials are involved, Foote said he believes that Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and “one of the council members are considered unindicted co-conspirators.” Foote declined to name which member of the council he believes is involved in the bribery scandal.
Asked if he agrees with Foote’s statement, Hartley, paused for a moment, smiled, and said “I do not disagree with that.”
Right before the council’s meeting, Lumumba held a press conference where he dodged questions surrounding the bribery scandal. Though pressed by reporters, the mayor only repeatedly said “I have never conspired with anyone to commit a crime.”