Hinds County man, Sherik Marve’ Smith, has pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges related to a scandal involving a Jackson councilwoman and Hinds County’s district attorney. Smith faces up to five years in prison, a hefty fine, supervised release, and a special assessment to the court. He must also repay $20,000 as part of his plea deal.
Court documents reveal that Smith conspired with three others to funnel money from FBI agents to Jackson city officials who could influence a real estate development project. The investigation uncovered that Smith and Co-conspirator A negotiated payments to Co-conspirators B and C, who were likely elected officials in Jackson.
The court documents also implicate Individuals 1 and 2 as FBI informants posing as developers from Nashville, providing funds for the bribes. The scheme involved bribing officials in exchange for votes on a convention center hotel project and influencing city employees to benefit developers.
The scandal has shaken confidence in city government, with concerns raised about the leadership roles of the unindicted co-conspirators involved. Smith, an insurance specialist, now faces the consequences of his actions as part of the ongoing investigation.
This latest development adds to the ongoing corruption scandal that has rocked Jackson, prompting a closer look at the city officials involved and the impact on the community. The sentencing for Smith has been postponed, as investigators continue to uncover the extent of the bribery scheme and those involved.
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