Parliament members reacted to the ministry. presidents join mayor in federal court

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – What has been called a show of solidarity between the mayor and his top officials is being derided as a bad look by some Jackson City Council members.

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba faces five federal charges in connection with a bribery scheme that led to the resignation of a city councilman.

He made his debut on Thursday.

(TO READ: Mayor, Prosecutor and Alderman plead not guilty in Jackson bribery scheme)

Lumumba was joined by several department officials during the 0.3-mile march from City Hall to the Federal Courthouse, including Chief Administrative Officer Louis Wright, Finance Director Fidelis Malembeka, Communications Director Melissa Faith Payne, Fire Chief Willie Owens and Deputy Police Chief. The president attended. Vincent Grizzell.

First Ward Councilman Ashby Foote questioned why they were accompanying the mayor, saying they needed to distance themselves from Jackson’s top elected leader.

“They haven’t been charged by the Department of Justice, and I don’t think they should go there as a show of support,” he said. “I’m not trying to tell them they can’t do it. “I’m just saying it gives the impression that the entire administration is to blame.”

“But that’s not the case, at least at this point.”

Fifth Ward Councilman Vernon Hartley had similar thoughts and said any department head who goes to court with the mayor should get permission to do so.

“I’m meeting with a public relations person. I’m meeting with the director of voter services. “I’m meeting with a chief financial officer… I hope they have permission to do this, because that’s not what we’re about.”

Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes had a slightly different view, saying many of these officials owe their jobs to the mayor.

“They realize that when the mayor leaves, most of them may be gone,” he said. “They will be unemployed. “Some may become unemployed (and) will never have a chance to work in government again.”

Almost all department heads are appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. Once approved, they serve at the will and pleasure of the mayor.

Malembeka does not see that his support for the mayor is a bad image and reminds the council that the mayor is innocent until proven guilty.

“There are people who think this is a conviction and it’s not an indictment,” he said. “We shouldn’t be so quick to judge… Let them have their day in court. “The trials will continue and the truth will come out,” he said.

Lumumba is charged with bribery conspiracy, federal program bribery, use of an interstate facility for extortion, honest services wire fraud and money laundering.

If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 75 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine.

The bribes came in the form of campaign finance contributions, according to the indictment unsealed last week.

Court records show the mayor received five checks for $10,000 each in exchange for directing a city employee to delay the deadline for a request for qualifications to build a convention center hotel.

The city issued the request in January. Three firms responded, including a firm believed to be a front for the FBI.

While meeting with developers in Ft. In Lauderdale, Lumumba allegedly called a city employee and instructed them to delay the deadline for responses. The mayor then took the five checks.

(TO READ: ‘I don’t know where the money came from’: Indictment details bribery scheme involving four local leaders)

Lumumba pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac. Two other co-conspirators, Sixth Ward Alderman Aaron Banks and Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, also pleaded not guilty.

All three were released on $10,000 bail.

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