Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba of Jackson, Mississippi, announced on Wednesday that he has been indicted as part of an alleged bribery scheme. He asserted that this legal action represents a “political prosecution” intended to undermine his campaign for reelection in 2025.

Lumumba revealed the news through a video statement, informing the public that federal prosecutors have charged him with bribery and related offenses. He firmly stated, “To be clear, I have never accepted a bribe of any type. As mayor, I have always acted in the best interests of the city of Jackson.” Lumumba, who has been serving as mayor since 2017, stated that the indictment had not yet appeared in federal court records as of Wednesday.

The allegations against the mayor stem from an investigation involving undercover FBI agents who posed as real estate investors. They reportedly invited him to a fundraiser in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on April 3, claiming interest in investing in downtown Jackson and supporting Lumumba’s reelection efforts.

In a related development, Jackson City Council member Angelique Lee, who is also a Democrat, resigned in August and pleaded guilty to bribery charges linked to the same FBI inquiry. Lumumba expressed confidence in his legal team, asserting that they would “vigorously defend me against these charges.” He emphasized that the indictment appears to be politically motivated, aimed at damaging his image within the community.

In response to Lumumba’s indictment, Virgi Lindsay, the president of the Jackson City Council, urged the community to remain patient during this time. “I remind myself that the presumption of innocence is a bedrock principle of our criminal justice system,” said Lindsay, who is also a Democrat. She voiced her commitment to focusing on council duties while allowing the legal process to proceed without interference from her.