JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The FBI on Wednesday raided a local prosecutor’s office and business in Mississippi’s capital city, although officials declined to say whether Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens is suspected of wrongdoing.
FBI agents spent hours searching a cigar bar owned by Owens in downtown Jackson. They also removed items from his office in the Hinds County Courthouse.
Marshay Lawson, the spokesperson for the FBI’s office in Jackson, said the reason for the search remains secret.
“The FBI is executing federal search warrants at multiple locations,” Lawson said. “The affidavit in support of the search warrants has been sealed by the court and so I am prohibited from commenting further.”
Owens also didn’t say what the raid was about.
“This morning, FBI agents came to our offices,” the second-term district attorney said in a statement. “We are fully cooperating with their efforts. The Hinds County District Attorney’s Office is fully functioning and continues its work on behalf of the citizens of Hinds County.”
Owens is listed as the manager and sole member of the company that owns the Downtown Cigar Co., which agents also searched. The business also has a state permit to act as a bar selling alcohol.
WAPT-TV reports that while the searches at Owens’ office and business were ongoing, two FBI agents also visited Jackson City Hall and spoke to the chief of staff for Mayor Chokwe Lumumba. The City Hall is across the street from the Hinds County Courthouse, where Owens has his office.
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