Jackson State University President Resigns Following Arrest In Prostitution Sting

The president of Jackson State University was arrested over the weekend for allegedly trying to solicit escort services, police said.

William Bynum Jr., 57, is one of the 17 people busted in a two-day undercover prostitution sting carried out in Mississippi, Clinton Police Chief Ford Hayman said in a press conference Monday. The suspects were lured into a hotel room in the town of Clinton with the help of an online ad for prostitution services, Hayman said, confirming that he attempted to cover up his identity during the arrest by giving cops a fake name.

Bynum Jr. was charged with procuring the services of a prostitute, false statement of identity and possession of marijuana.

He resigned from his post on Monday, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, said in a news release.

Another detainee, Shonda McCarthy, 46, too was employed at Jackson State University as the director of art galleries. She was charged with procuring services of a prostitute and possession of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle.

Bynum Jr. and McCarthy were released from prison Sunday after posting $3,000 and $2,000 bonds respectively, Clarion Ledger reported.

Bynum Jr. had been serving as the president of the university since 2017. He served four years as president of Mississippi Valley State University prior to that.

His biography on the university’s website implies that he’s a "god-fearing" individual. He said his personal and professional objective was to “Look back and thank God. Look forward and trust God. Look around and serve God. Look within and find God.”

He is married and a father of six children.