Jackson’s FBI special agent in charge to retire by year’s end

Jermicha Fomby hopes the positive community and media relationships between those in Mississippi and the FBI continue with his successor.

After serving the state of Mississippi as the Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson field office for the Federal Bureau of Investigations for the past two years, Jermicha Fomby is retiring.  

Fomby’s retirement will be official by the end of this month, after serving in that role for the FBI since September 2021. He joined the FBI as a special agent in 2003 and was assigned to the Akron Resident Agency of the Cleveland Field Office, where he investigated criminal matters. He also served 13 years in active and reserve duty service with the U.S. Army.

A replacement for Fomby has not been named.

As he moves toward retirement, Fomby said he would like to thank local law enforcement, state law enforcement agencies, and the media for the positive roles they played during his time at the Jackson field office as they worked to fight the rise in crime in Jackson, Moss Point, Meridian and Greenville.

“The media allowed us to get our message out,” Fomby told Magnolia Tribune, adding that he also appreciates the fact that the media helped keep the FBI accountable. 

As the FBI moves forward, Fomby said current community efforts will continue, and more are in the works. The current Citizen Academy, which lets local leaders “see behind the curtain” will continue, while a Collegiate Academy and Teen Academy will kick off in the next year or so to allow younger people in the state to have the same experience. The Teen Academy will be for young people aged 13 to 17, and just like the other programs it will allow those future leaders to learn more about the FBI. Fomby said the programs work both ways since they give the FBI a way to bridge the gap to the community to get perspectives from a diverse and experienced group of people. It also helps with effective media engagement, he said.

Jackson’s outgoing agent in charge expects the positive outcomes he saw while working with the previous U.S. Attorney to continue under newly appointed U.S. Attorney Todd Gee. He said Gee brings experience and resources that will serve him well. Fomby added that he regrets he won’t be able to be a part of Gee’s work. 

“So, I will miss that aspect from my current role, but I will continue to watch as a citizen,” Fomby said. 

He is also thankful for the support received from the general public within Mississippi and for their willingness to bring important topics to the FBI’s attention.