Federal Judge Rules on Sentencing Factors for Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba in Bribery Case
A federal judge has ruled on key factors that will influence the sentencing of former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in July. The judge determined that approximately $177,000 in bribes and expenses should be counted towards Lumumba's sentencing, overruling an objection from his attorney, Gerald Evelyn. This amount includes a $50,000 bribe received by Lumumba, a $50,000 promised bribe, and $70,000 in expenses related to a trip to Fort Lauderdale, which included a private chartered jet. Evelyn argued that the $70,000 in expenses were investigative costs and should not be considered part of the bribe amount. However, the judge agreed with Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Fulcher that these expenses were part of the inducement for the bribery scheme. The judge also upheld Lumumba's objection that he should not receive an enhanced sentence for accepting multiple bribes, clarifying that recordings indicated a single $100,000 bribe was promised, not...
