Clinton, MS — William Bynum Jr., who was the president of Jackson State University in Mississippi, has submitted his resignation following a recent arrest in connection with prostitution and drug charges.
According to the Clinton Police Department, Bynum was one of the 17 people arrested after a two-day operation which made contact with the offenders through “dark web” sites. Clinton Police Chief Ford Hayman said that those arrested responded to an online ad for prostitution services and were caught at a hotel by an undercover cop.
Bynum, who is 57-years old, is facing charges including procuring services of a prostitute, false statement of identity, and simple possession of marijuana.
Bynum has resigned from his post on Monday effective immediately, the Mississippi University system stated. Thomas Hudson, who served as a special assistant to the president and chief diversity officer, was assigned as the acting president of the university.
Bynum had been president of Jackson State, an HBCU, since 2017 after serving four years as president of Mississippi Valley State University.
Meanwhile, Shonda McCarthy, who is 46-years old and another Jackson State University employee, was also arrested. She was accused of procuring services of a prostitute and possession of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle.