The FBI recently raided a local prosecutor’s office and business in Mississippi’s capital city, although officials did not confirm whether Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens is suspected of any wrongdoing. FBI agents searched a cigar bar owned by Owens in downtown Jackson and also removed items from his office in the Hinds County Courthouse. The reason for the search remains confidential, with a spokesperson for the FBI’s office in Jackson stating that the affidavit supporting the search warrants has been sealed by the court, prohibiting further comments. Owens released a statement acknowledging the FBI agents’ visit and emphasized that the Hinds County District Attorney’s Office continues its work on behalf of the citizens.
Owens, who was elected as district attorney in 2019 after serving as the lead attorney in Mississippi for the Southern Poverty Law Center, ran on a platform of criminal justice reform. He aimed to prosecute violent crime while exploring alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders. However, Jackson has faced challenges with a high murder rate, leading Republican lawmakers to provide more funding for prosecutors and expand the state-run Capitol Police to patrol the city. A state-run court with appointed judges was also created, leading to concerns from Democrats about a perceived white takeover of a predominantly Black city. The conflict has since quieted somewhat after being upheld in federal court following an NAACP lawsuit.
In 2022, Owens was cited for simple assault by the Capitol Police after allegedly pointing a gun at a man visiting a woman in a downtown Jackson apartment. Owens denied any wrongdoing in this incident. Despite this, the FBI raid on Owens’ properties adds to the recent controversies surrounding the district attorney. Owens is listed as the manager and sole member of the company that owns the Downtown Cigar Co., which was also searched by agents. The business holds a state permit to operate as a bar selling alcohol. His tenure as district attorney has been marked by efforts to address crime in Hinds County while pursuing criminal justice reform initiatives.
The recent FBI raid on Owens’ properties has raised questions about the reasons behind the investigation and the potential implications for the district attorney. Both Owens and FBI officials have refrained from disclosing specific details, citing the sealed nature of the search warrants. The uncertainty surrounding the raid has elicited varying responses from the community, with some expressing support for Owens’ continued work as district attorney, while others question his ability to effectively lead the office amid ongoing investigations and controversies. As the situation unfolds, observers will be closely monitoring developments to gain a better understanding of the FBI’s motives and any possible legal implications for Owens. Despite the challenges he faces, Owens remains focused on fulfilling his duties as district attorney and serving the residents of Hinds County.
