Black Mayors and Their Legal Troubles: A Closer Look
Several Black mayors have faced serious legal challenges, including accusations of scandal, bribery, tax evasion, and corruption. This article examines the cases of some notable mayors who have had their day in court, revealing the complexities of their situations and the impact on their careers and communities.
Marion Barry
Marion Barry, the former mayor of Washington, D.C., is perhaps one of the most well-known figures associated with scandal in American politics. Barry’s troubles began in late 1989 when federal officials investigated him for illegal drug possession and use.
By the fall of that year, several of Barry’s associates had been implicated in a drug investigation, leading to surveillance operations that would eventually capture Barry in a compromising situation. On January 18, 1990, Barry was arrested in a sting operation at the Vista Hotel, where he was filmed smoking crack cocaine with his former girlfriend, Hazel Diane “Rasheeda” Moore, who was also an FBI informant.
During the arrest, Barry famously exclaimed, “Bitch set me up…I shouldn’t have come up here…goddamn bitch,” reflecting his anger and disbelief. He faced multiple charges, including three felony counts of perjury, ten counts of drug possession, and one misdemeanor count of conspiracy to possess cocaine.
The criminal trial concluded in August 1990, resulting in a conviction for a single possession incident, while the jury hung on the remaining charges. The trial highlighted deep divisions among jurors, with some believing in Barry’s innocence and others convinced of his guilt.
Following his arrest, Barry continued to serve as mayor but chose not to run for re-election in June 1990. In October 1990, he was sentenced to six months in federal prison. After serving time, Barry made a political comeback, winning a city council seat in 1992, running under the slogan, “He May Not Be Perfect, But He’s Perfect for D.C.”
James L. Usry
James L. Usry made history as the first Black mayor of Atlantic City, elected in 1984. However, his tenure was marred by scandal, and he was defeated in 1990 amid a municipal corruption investigation.
Usry, a former middle school teacher and principal, first entered public office in 1982. His predecessor had been under indictment for bribery, setting a questionable tone for Usry’s administration. In 1990, he was indicted on charges of conspiracy, official misconduct, and bribery related to a political scandal.
Although the government’s case against him appeared to falter, Usry ultimately pleaded guilty to a campaign finance law violation. He was sentenced to 60 hours of community service, a relatively light punishment considering the gravity of the allegations against him.
Leslie Thompson – Jonesboro, LA
Leslie Thompson, the former mayor of Jonesboro, Louisiana, faced legal troubles that surprised many. He was arrested on charges related to a scandal that shocked the local community.
While the specifics of his arrest are not widely known, the incident raised questions about the integrity of local leadership. Thompson’s case exemplifies the challenges faced by Black mayors in maintaining public trust amid allegations of wrongdoing.
Tony Mack – Trenton, NJ
Tony Mack, the former mayor of Trenton, New Jersey, became embroiled in controversy after his arrest on corruption charges. Mack was found guilty of six counts of corruption, including one related to a parking project.
His tenure as mayor was marked by challenges, and his arrest drew attention to the difficulties faced by Black leaders in navigating political landscapes fraught with scrutiny. Mack’s case serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls that can accompany public service.
Larry Langford – Birmingham, AL
In December 2008, Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford was arrested on federal bribery and fraud charges linked to a multibillion-dollar sewer bond deal. The deal was alleged to have driven the surrounding county to the brink of bankruptcy.
Langford, along with investment banker Bill Blount and lobbyist Al LaPierre, faced a 101-count indictment that included charges of money laundering and filing false tax returns. Prosecutors claimed Langford received $230,000 in bribes to influence bond deals while serving as president of the Jefferson County Commission.
Kwame Kilpatrick – Detroit
Kwame Kilpatrick, the former mayor of Detroit, is infamous for his legal troubles and scandalous behavior during his time in office. His administration was plagued by allegations of corruption, leading to his eventual resignation.
Kilpatrick was convicted on multiple counts of corruption, including racketeering and conspiracy, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. His case remains a significant chapter in Detroit’s political history, highlighting the challenges of governance in a city facing economic decline.
Ray Nagin – New Orleans
Ray Nagin, who served as mayor during and after Hurricane Katrina, faced numerous allegations of corruption. In 2004, Nagin’s sons started a family business, Stone Age, LLC, which received contracts with Home Depot after the hurricane.
Nagin’s involvement with the business raised questions about conflicts of interest, particularly after it was revealed that he took a trip to Hawaii partially funded by a city contractor. In 2013, he was charged with wire fraud, conspiracy, bribery, money laundering, and filing false tax returns.
Nagin became the first mayor in New Orleans to be criminally charged for corruption while in office. He was convicted on 20 of the 21 counts against him, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence.
Bill Campbell – Atlanta, GA
Former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell presided over a period of economic growth in the 1990s but later faced legal troubles that tarnished his legacy. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison for tax evasion, convicted on three counts related to failing to pay taxes on illegally obtained funds.
Although Campbell was cleared of charges involving payoffs from contractors, his conviction for tax evasion highlighted the complexities of financial management in public office. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership.
Patrick Cannon – Charlotte, NC
Patrick Cannon, the former mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina, resigned just hours after his arrest on public corruption charges. Cannon was accused of accepting approximately $48,000 in bribes from undercover FBI agents posing as businessmen seeking to do business in the city.
His arrest came just 114 days into his tenure as mayor, illustrating the challenges of maintaining integrity in public office. Cannon’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of corruption in local government.
Conclusion
The legal troubles faced by these Black mayors highlight the challenges and complexities of public service. From accusations of corruption to tax evasion, these cases demonstrate the importance of accountability and integrity in leadership. As communities navigate the aftermath of these scandals, they underscore the need for transparency and ethical governance in all levels of public office.
