The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a raid on Downtown Cigar Company, a business in Jackson, Mississippi, associated with Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens.
The raid occurred on May 22, though the exact reasons remain undisclosed.
Marshay Lawson, Public Affairs Officer for the FBI in Jackson, confirmed to the Mississippi Free Press that multiple locations were raided that day.
Lawson stated:
“The FBI is executing federal search warrants at multiple locations. The affidavit in support of the search warrants has been sealed by the court, so I am prohibited from commenting further. There is no threat to public safety.”
Lawson did not provide details on the other locations involved or the specific reasons behind the raids.
Owens is listed as the manager of the parent company owning Downtown Cigar Company, which operates as a bar with a state permit to sell alcohol. This business was among the sites searched by federal agents.
Jody Owens, the acting Democratic district attorney, is noted for his involvement in the significant $77 million welfare scandal that was publicly revealed in Mississippi in February 2020, alongside Republican State Auditor Shad White.
In response to the FBI raid, Owens released a statement to the Mississippi Free Press:
“This morning, FBI agents came to our offices. We are fully cooperating with their efforts. The Hinds County District Attorney’s Office is fully functioning and continues to work on behalf of the citizens in Hinds County. That has been and will continue to be our primary focus. Currently, we have no further statements.”
Additionally, WAPT-TV reported that while Owens’ office and business were being searched, several FBI agents visited Jackson City Hall and met with the chief of staff for Mayor Chokwe Lumumba.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details remain under seal by court order.
