Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota indicted on federal bribery and honest-services fraud charges over alleged job offers to induce a rival to quit the race
Subject of this story
What happened
A federal grand jury indictment, unsealed August 6, 2026, charges Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota with five counts including honest services fraud, federal program bribery, Travel Act violations and making a false statement to federal agents. Prosecutors allege that in March 2026 he offered county jobs, including Parks and Recreation director, an assistant director role and finance or HR posts, to an unnamed rival candidate for county executive to induce that candidate to withdraw; press reports and LeVota identify the candidate as legislator DaRon McGee. LeVota pleaded not guilty and says he categorically denies the charges, that he only discussed jobs in a possible future administration, and that he did not tie them to withdrawal. Trial was reported set for April 2027.
Sources (2)
Response
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.