Several Black mayors have faced legal challenges, including accusations of scandal, bribery, tax evasion, and corruption. Below is a list of some of these mayors and the charges they encountered.
Marion Barry
In late 1989, federal officials investigated Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry for suspected illegal drug possession and use. On January 18, 1990, Barry was arrested during a sting operation, captured on surveillance smoking crack cocaine. He was sentenced to six months in federal prison. After his release in April 1992, Barry returned to politics, winning a city council seat and later serving another term as mayor. He remained a prominent figure in D.C. politics until his death in 2014.
James L. Usry
James L. Usry became Atlantic City’s first Black mayor in 1984. In 1990, he was indicted on charges of conspiracy, official misconduct, and bribery related to a municipal corruption scandal. The case against him weakened, leading Usry to plead guilty to a campaign finance law violation, resulting in 60 hours of community service. After his political career, Usry returned to education and community service until his passing in 2002.
Leslie Thompson
Leslie Thompson, former mayor of Jonesboro, Louisiana, was convicted in 2013 on charges including malfeasance in office and felony theft. He was sentenced to six years in prison but was released on parole in 2015. Since his release, Thompson has maintained a low public profile.
Tony Mack
Tony Mack, mayor of Trenton, New Jersey, was arrested in 2012 and later convicted on corruption charges, including bribery and extortion related to a parking garage project. He was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison and released in 2018. Post-release, Mack has kept a low profile, with no significant public engagements reported.
Larry Langford
In 2008, Birmingham, Alabama Mayor Larry Langford was arrested on federal bribery and fraud charges connected to a multibillion-dollar sewer bond deal. He was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Langford’s sentence was reduced due to health issues, leading to his release in 2018. He passed away in 2019.
Kwame Kilpatrick
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was convicted in 2013 on multiple charges, including racketeering, bribery, and extortion. He was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison. In January 2021, President Donald Trump commuted Kilpatrick’s sentence, leading to his release. Since then, Kilpatrick has been involved in ministry work and public speaking.
Ray Nagin
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was convicted in 2014 on charges including bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering related to post-Hurricane Katrina contracts. He was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and released in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. Since his release, Nagin has remained out of the public eye.
Bill Campbell
Former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell was convicted in 2006 on tax evasion charges and sentenced to 30 months in prison. After serving his sentence, Campbell returned to private life and has largely stayed out of the public spotlight.
Patrick Cannon
Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon resigned in 2014 after being arrested on public corruption charges, including accepting bribes from undercover FBI agents. He was sentenced to 44 months in federal
