JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba says the city is still functioning, weeks after another person was indicted in a corruption scandal that already brought down a city councilwoman.

“I would say we are still working. I would say that doesn’t stop us from doing what we do every day. I would say, just as we have a mantra above our heads in my office every day: ‘Our work is our defense,'” he said. “We have a lifetime commitment to working for the people, we have never violated that commitment and would never violate our…love, trust and commitment to the people of Jackson.”

Lumumba spoke to journalists at a press conference on Monday. His comments come just over a week after a second person, Sherik Marve’ Smithhas been indicted in a corruption scandal that, according to court records, involved at least three city officials accepting bribes to support a proposed hotel convention center.

Before speaking, Jackson communications director Melissa Faith Payne said the mayor would not answer any questions related to the corruption scandal.

“I’m telling you now, ‘no comment,’ if you have any questions about a scandal or anything,” she said. “Feel free to waste your time asking us questions in fifty eleven ways, but at 2 p.m. we have to go. And if you want to waste your time asking questions, I tell you 100 percent that there are no comments on this.”

The scandal has been hanging over the city for months, after Hinds County Prosecutor Jody Owens the businesses and offices were raided by FBI agents, and afterward FBI agents visited Jackson City Hall.

In August, the former Angelique Lee, Ward 2 Councilor pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery after receiving nearly $20,000 in cash and gifts to support a development proposal from Tennessee-based company Facility Solutions Team, promising “you will have more votes to come.”

Court records indicate two other city officials are involved, who requested a $50,000 payment to support the development of a hotel, and another who received a $10,000 campaign contribution to order an employee to the city to modify a response date for the benefit of the alleged promoters.

Under state law, only a city council member can vote in favor of a contract or proposal. The mayor is the only elected official who can direct city employees.

The city in January issued a request for qualifications for companies interested in developing the property across from the Jackson Convention Complex. Three companies, including Facility Solutions Team, responded. Owens and Smith were listed as local partners in FST’s response.

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