Jody Owens

Jody Owens, the Hinds County District Attorney in Mississippi, is currently the subject of an active federal public corruption case. In October 2024, Owens was indicted on eight criminal counts, including conspiracy, federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements. Prosecutors allege Owens acted as a lynchpin in a bribery scheme involving undercover FBI agents posing as real estate developers, claiming he accepted at least $115,000 in cash and facilitated bribe payments to other city officials. Owens has pleaded not guilty and is currently fighting the charges. His defense team has filed motions to dismiss the case, alleging entrapment and outrageous government conduct, including claims that federal agents exploited his alcoholism and made misrepresentations to the grand jury. In May 2026, a federal judge denied his motion to dismiss, ruling that evidence indicated Owens’ active involvement and predisposition. Separately, Owens has faced criticism and a $500 fine for filing campaign finance reports months past the deadline. These reports contained errors and included transactions that aligned with details in the government’s federal bribery allegations. Owens remains in office, as Mississippi law does not require resignation prior to a felony conviction.