Investigation details remain undisclosed as FBI agents search Hinds County DA’s office and private business
FBI agents carried out a raid on the office and personal business of Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens in Jackson, Mississippi, on Wednesday. However, the federal agency has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind the operation.
Agents spent several hours at Owens’ private cigar bar, Downtown Cigar Co., and also conducted a search at his office within the Hinds County Courthouse. Despite the extensive search, FBI spokesperson Marshay Lawson confirmed that the rationale for the raid remains confidential, as the affidavit supporting the federal search warrants has been sealed by the court.
Owens, who has served as the district attorney since 2019, acknowledged the raid but refrained from offering any specifics about the investigation. In a statement, Owens assured the public that his office was fully cooperating with the FBI, and operations at the Hinds County District Attorney’s Office would continue as normal.
Before his tenure as district attorney, Owens had worked as the lead attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organisation known for its advocacy in legal battles involving justice reform. His campaign for district attorney focused on addressing violent crime and exploring alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders.
During his time in office, Jackson has faced rising crime rates, with some sources indicating the highest murder rate in the country. Owens has drawn support from Republican lawmakers to enhance the city’s crime-fighting efforts, including increased funding to hire more prosecutors. The state-run Capitol Police, controlled by Republican Governor Tate Reeves, has also expanded its presence in Jackson, sparking controversy among local Democrats, who argue that these measures represent a disproportionate influence of state control over the city.
In 2022, Owens was involved in an incident where Capitol Police cited him for simple assault, a misdemeanor, after an alleged altercation with a visitor. Owens denied the allegations at the time, asserting that he had acted lawfully. The recent FBI raid adds another layer of mystery to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Owens’ actions and public office.
