Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee Resigns After Federal Bribery Charge

Councilwoman Steps Down Amid Bribery Scandal

Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee, who represented Ward 2, resigned on Wednesday after being charged with conspiracy to commit bribery. The resignation came just hours before Lee pleaded guilty in federal court to accepting bribes in exchange for her support of proposed real estate developments.

Details of the Bribery Scheme

According to court documents, Lee and unnamed co-conspirators accepted bribes from two undercover FBI agents who posed as developers from Nashville, Tennessee. The agents claimed they were interested in developing a site in downtown Jackson. In return for her votes and support on these projects, Lee allegedly received $3,000 in cash, access to a bank account and credit card used to spend approximately $6,000 at a luxury retail store, and a $10,000 electronic transfer to pay off part of her campaign debt. The alleged bribery scheme took place between February and March of this year.

Court Proceedings and Potential Penalties

During a federal court hearing on Wednesday, Lee pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge. The judge set her bond at $10,000. If convicted, Lee could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. It is unclear if Lee has retained legal counsel to represent her in the ongoing proceedings.

Special Election to Fill the Vacancy

With Lee’s resignation, the process to fill the vacant Ward 2 seat will begin immediately. The City Council is required to meet within 10 days to set the date for a special election. Lee’s seat was previously held by former City Councilman Melvin Priester, Jr., who resigned in 2020. Lee won the seat in a special election held later that year.