The Mississippi Bar Association asked the Mississippi Supreme Court on Monday to immediately revoke former Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens’ license to practice law in Mississippi.
This request comes after Owens resigned late last month and pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges related to a 2024 FBI bribery sting targeting several high-profile Jackson officials.
The complaint filed by the Mississippi Bar Association outlines Owens’ guilty plea and states that Owens’ decision to plead guilty to a felony charge should result in an immediate suspension of Owens’ ability to practice law.
The Mississippi Bar Association complaint cited Mississippi Rules of Discipline Rule No. 6, which focuses on suspension and disbarment of lawyers based on outside legal proceedings.
The formal complaint was the first step in the process outlined for disbarring lawyers under Rule 6. The other half of the process requires that the Mississippi Bar Association, or another party, file a motion for indefinite suspension of the legal license in question.
Attorneys subject to such complaints are automatically suspended, pending appeals, Rule 6 states.
A Hinds County Judge appointed a temporary district attorney to fill Owens’ position until Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves makes a more permanent decision.
District Attorney elections typically take place every four years. Owens’ term was set to end in 2027.
On Monday, Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba and former Councilman Aaron Banks joined the list of ex-Jackson officials who have pleaded guilty in federal court in relation to the bribery scandal.
Follow the Mississippi Free Press’ coverage of the Jackson bribery scandal and read past stories here.
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