On Wednesday morning, the FBI executed search warrants at the cigar business owned by Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens II. The raid also extended to his office at the courthouse. Downtown Cigar Company, where Owens serves as a prosecutor, is located just blocks from the Hinds County Courthouse.
FBI spokeswoman Marshay Lawson confirmed the raid stating, “The FBI is executing federal search warrants at multiple locations.” She added that, “The affidavit in support of the search warrants has been sealed by the court, and I am prohibited from commenting further. There is no threat to public safety.” Owens was not available at his office and did not return emails or phone calls.
Meanwhile, investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell’s work has had a significant impact on various legal proceedings. He has helped in the prosecution of four Klansmen and a serial killer, resulting in exposing injustices and corruption. His stories have led to reforms and investigations, prompting officials’ firing and board replacement. Mitchell is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and a member of Investigative Reporters & Editors, with over 30 national awards under his belt including a $500,000 MacArthur “genius” grant. After working for the Clarion-Ledger for three decades, he founded the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting in 2019.
