Thompson first contacted U.S. attorney General Loretta Lynch in April. He wanted Lynch to investigate the charges and other intimidation methods used in support of a local political agenda. Thompson said he had received “many calls and letters” from residents and community leaders in Hattiesburg, but not in Thompson’s district. Thompson claimed that he was being accused of “an organized targeting of the African American community” for political reasons. Thompson wrote that he implored Lynch to not only assign the investigation to the U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Mississippi, but to instead investigate the matter directly. In an Aug. 19 correspondence, Peter J. Kadzik, Assistant U.S. attorney General, informed Thompson (D-Bolton) that his “allegations of misconduct around municipal elections in Hattiesburg” were “currently under review” by the agency’s offices of Professional Responsibility, and Inspector General. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of Jackson did not respond to a request for comment. Thompson wrote that all complaints stemmed from Hattiesburg’s 2013 municipal elections for which a circuit court ordered a re-vote. The long-serving mayor of the city, Johnny Dupree (an African-American and Democrat), was elected the winner. Thompson wrote that Dupree’s “high-profile” supporters are being punished by the FBI, District attorney’s office and U.S. Attorney’s office in Jackson. The FBI’s Kelley Ryan and Brett Carr declined to comment. Ryan is an auditor’s spokesperson. Mississippi Today has not received responses from any other agencies listed in Thompson’s letter. Republicans are Patricia Burchell and Stacey Pickering, the Perry and Forrest county district attorneys. President Obama appointed U.S. attorney Greg Davis of Jackson to the FBI. The Rev. is currently facing federal prosecution. The Rev. Kenneth Fairley is Dupree’s campaign manager and Charles Bolton, Sheriff’s Chief deputy, was also charged. Linda Bolton, his wife and Linda are also Dupree supporters. Fairley is accused of fraud in a housing rehabilitation programme, while the Boltons face income tax evasion charges. Fairley will be tried before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett on Sept. 6, while the Boltons are due to appear in court on Sept. 16. According to court documents, the Bolton case is being handled in New Orleans by federal prosecutors from Louisiana’s Eastern District. Thompson wrote that the Boltons case is being handled by federal prosecutors from Louisiana’s Eastern District in New Orleans. This is, at its worst, a coordinated effort by many federal-state officials to target and manipulate African-Americans’ actions in Hattiesburg. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding those who live in Mississippi. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of all Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think.