Hinds County has an interim district attorney following the resignation of Jody Owens.
Owens, who reached a plea agreement on Monday connected to the Jackson bribery scandal, officially stepped down from his elected post on Wednesday. Hinds County Judge Winston Kidd then appointed First Assistant District Attorney Brad McCullouch to Owens’ position as a temporary placeholder.
As DA pro tempore, McCullouch is tasked with fulfilling the office’s duties, like prosecuting cases and cooperating with federal officials regarding changes within the office, until Gov. Tate Reeves makes an appointment. McCullouch added that he plans to continue the DA’s work without interruption.
“My immediate priority is simple: to ensure the work of this office continues without interruption,” McCullouch said. “We will continue moving cases forward, supporting victims, working with our law enforcement partners, and cooperating with the Federal Receiver to address ongoing challenges at the Hinds County Detention Center.”
Per state law, the governor has until July 11 to appoint a new DA, though employees within that office will likely want that appointment to be made sooner than later for payroll purposes. A special election will take place in November to solidify a permanent DA.
Whoever is elected DA in November will likely have to continue hitting the campaign trail, as the district is expanding to accommodate Jefferson and Claiborne counties beginning New Year’s Day in 2027. A new election will be held in November 2027 to elect a DA for the tri-county district.
At this time, Reeves has not indicated who his appointment will be.