Councilwoman Angelique Lee of Jackson resigns following federal bribery charge

City Councilwoman Angelique Lee of Jackson, Mississippi, tendered her resignation and subsequently admitted guilt to a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. In her resignation letter, Lee cited undisclosed circumstances that influenced her decision and expressed her pride in the collective work done for the city and its residents.
According to court filings, Lee and unidentified accomplices were implicated in accepting bribes to secure votes in support of proposed real estate projects by two FBI agents posing as developers from Nashville. The bribes were allegedly exchanged for Lee’s backing of future development ventures brought forth by the undercover agents.
Lee reportedly received $3,000 in cash, used a bank account and credit card to make approximately $6,000 in purchases at a high-end retail establishment in Jackson, and received a $10,000 electronic transfer to alleviate part of her campaign debt, all transpiring between February and March of the current year.
Following her plea of guilt during a federal court session, Lee was granted a $10,000 bond, and as of records, no legal representative has been assigned to her case. A potential conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine reaching $250,000.
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced the commencement of the process to replace Lee’s position on the council promptly after her resignation. An upcoming City Council meeting will determine the scheduling of a special election to fill the vacant seat.
Lumumba expressed respect for Lee’s decision and extended gratitude for her service while acknowledging her continued advocacy for the community in other capacities. Lee was elected to the Ward 2 seat through a special election in 2020 following the resignation of former Councilman Melvin Priester, Jr.