Jackson Free Press

Mayor Frank Melton seems to be in a litigious mood this week. First, he filed a lawsuit against The Clarion-Ledger that many believe is frivolous (reported first by the JFP). Now, he is telling WLBT that he is planning to file a civil suit against Albert "Batman" Donelson for murders he has not been convicted of, including two he hasn't been tried for:

Melton tells WLBT News he plans to employ an attorney to file a civil suit next week against Donelson. The suit, to be filed in federal court, will hold Donelson responsible for civil rights violations in connection to the wrongful deaths of Aaron Crocket, Harrison Hilliard, and Reginald Versell.

Donelson is an alleged member of the Wood Street Gang. Two weeks ago a jury found him not guilty of murdering Crockett in 2001. After his acquittal he was briefly held in custody for alleged involvement in Hilliard's murder but released again a few days later. Versell was killed in 1997 and Hilliard murdered in 1998, and other gang members have also been accused in connection with their deaths. All trials thus far in recent months have resulted in acquittals. Donelson maintained his innocence throughout the Crockett murder trial.

Melton is out of town this weekend. When he returns he plans to accompany the families of the victims as the suit against Donelson is filed.

Attorneys in the Schimmel's bar when this story aired last night were flabbergasted at the thought that Melton himself could file a suit against Donelson in those cases, being that he would have a difficult time proving harm to himself, thus leading to damages.

Also interesting, although WLBT said that Melton is "out of town this weekend," he had just delivered the opening welcome at the Democratic dinner featuring Sen. Joe Biden, about three hours earlier at the Trade Mart. He most certainly was not out of town.

Previous Comments

ID

121813

Comment

Maybe he is filing the suit on behalf of the families? More being their PR person - their bankroll? I think it's silly. What kind of damages are they going to get? I don't think they can sue based on his supposed drug income! I doubt he paid social security and witholding. ;-) BTW: I wonder how the Republican supproters who hate Trial lawyers are digging Melton running around suing everyone for everything! No wonder we need more judges!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-04-23T11:17:39-06:00

ID

121814

Comment

It official...............Frank has just finished going crazy. Has this man forgotten that he is still holding public office? Of all of the idiotic things that he has done, this has to be the worse. No wonder he keeps saying that the city is broke. He probably is holding the city's money to pay off the suits that will be filed against him. He is making Donelson look like a real victim here. He arrested Donelson, he got out of jail. He tried to have him convicted on several charges, he beat the charges. Does he plan to hold Donelson under his OWN house arrest? Mayby he needs to take him (Donelson) out to his own house so that he can keep a goooooooood watch on him. I hope that Batman's mother will take legal action against Melton for all of the harrassment and intimidation that he has done against her and her family. Remember, Frank has yet to win a case AGAINST him, and he STILL is trying to win his first.

Author

lance

Date

2006-04-23T16:31:28-06:00

ID

121815

Comment

Hear! Hear! Lance.....I believe you have found the perfect solution for 'getting Frank off your back!" I sincerely believe that if Donelson, his family, and other's who Frank is literally 'slandering' would each file harrassment and slanderous lawsuits AGAINST Frank, he might then would be busy enough to stop coming up with these fairy tale lawsuits. HOWEVER, the real question is......Is their an attorney anywhere who has jurisdiction to practice in Mississippi that is willing to take on such a frivilous lawsuit? Let me be the 1st to say it....IF he can find an attorney to file this lawsuit, then the entire public should make a note that HE/SHE is NOT the attorney you would ever want to call for assistance or legal advice. My family resides in Texas, and it has become the new 'family joke' to always begin our conversations about what Frank has done on this day! It never fails to provide entertainment to my family members at the stupidity and apparant irrational thought process that calls himself Frank Melton. PLEASE....if anyone who reads this blog knows someone, anyone that knows Mr. Donelson or his family members.....please tell them they should seriously consider filing a suit againt the slander and harrassment they are being forced to endure by this cities Mayor! Also - where is our attorney general and governor? Can NO ONE CONTROL MELTON?, or at least provide some new brake shoes for his locamotive behavior? This entire situation is completely out of hand! One thing I will say though, is it should now be evident to the citizens of Jackson what a lacking system of policing our officials that we have in place! Serious thought should be put before the public to address the situation of accountability by our city leaders!

Author

Katie D

Date

2006-04-23T17:35:23-06:00

ID

121816

Comment

look no one can stop frankie baby he's too much he' not even in control of himself

Author

skipp

Date

2006-04-23T20:47:29-06:00

ID

121817

Comment

For some reason, this didn't surprise me. In fact, very little that Frank does surprises me anymore.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-04-23T21:45:46-06:00

ID

121818

Comment

This is begining to look more and more like Frank is afraid of something. Could it be Batman? Every since Batman has been free from the pokey Frank has been very quiet.When you do hear about something he did, he is on tv surrounded by police. This time he crossed the line big time. When you mess with somebody's momma like he did Batman's momma, he went too far. Frank probably thought that surely after three tries he would be rid of batman. Guess what Frank? A cat isn't the only thing with nine lives. When you failed to get him put away, you gave him a second chance to correct his mistakes that got him caught the first time.

Author

rufus

Date

2006-04-24T00:09:50-06:00

ID

121819

Comment

rufus writes: This is begining to look more and more like Frank is afraid of something. Could it be Batman? Am I the only one who actually visualizes Adam West and the "BIFF!" "THWOK!" "POW!" dialogue boxes, and subsequently giggles like a little girl, every time somebody says something like "Could it be Batman?" Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-04-24T01:06:48-06:00

ID

121820

Comment

Tom, now that you mentioned it it DOES make you remember the old days when Batman used the little white bubble boxes to describe his blows!

Author

rufus

Date

2006-04-24T05:41:03-06:00

ID

121821

Comment

Next thing he'll be filing a lawsuit against WLBT for taking his name off the foyer plaque at the front entrance.

Author

JSU

Date

2006-04-24T08:45:47-06:00

ID

121822

Comment

"Can NO ONE CONTROL MELTON?, or at least provide some new brake shoes for his locamotive behavior? This entire situation is completely out of hand!" I'm wondering the same, and hoping that maybe the Attorney General will be able to put FM back in his place.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-04-24T12:36:23-06:00

ID

121823

Comment

I don't see how Melton has legal standing to file any suit of this nature but I'm sure that won't be of any consequence to him. I beg to differ on the issue of whether he can find a lawyer to file a suit like this but I hope he can't. As strange and likely frivolous as a lawsuit may seem here, the reality and presentation of money will easily entice many lawyers to sue. Frivolous lawsuits are filed by the thousands on a daily basis. After all, lawyers aren't the epitome of morality and good judgment, although arguably they are supposed to be, and many are. I got a feeling Hood is going to convince Frank to forego his cowboy and want-to-be-police chief ways. But like a true soldier on a mission from a higher up, Frank won't stop or give up. He will then start spending his money and cerebration time thinking of ways to legally, professionally, and vicariously flex his muscles. Muscles will atrophy if not used. I see coming shortly suits against the city council, JFP bloggers, the tooth fairy, and santa claus. Smile.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-04-25T10:41:46-06:00

ID

121824

Comment

"Frank won't stop or give up." why should he when it's clear that he.... runs this city! I just don't have the strength or the mind to comment on FM like I used to....his shenanigans have wore me out. We need saving from this "leader" is all I know.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-04-25T10:52:08-06:00

ID

121825

Comment

THOUGHT for TODAY HE who knows and knows not that he knows... is sleeping....Wake him He who knows not that he knows not... is a child...Teach him He who knows not and knows that he knows not...is a fool...Shun him He who knows and knows that he knows is a wise man...Follow him. For the FOOL....(FM) WE EMBRACED fOR THE WISE MAN...(HJ)...WE LYNCHED!!!!!!!!!! ps. WHERE IS VIDAL SULLIVAN???????????????????????????????????????

Author

justjess

Date

2006-04-25T11:03:23-06:00

ID

121826

Comment

I hear you justjess. And as Da Mayor in "Do the Right Thing" said "He who knows not will always tell, and he who knows will never tell."

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-04-25T11:33:50-06:00

ID

121827

Comment

Vidal is probable keeping Frank's "kids". After all he is out of town and Chris needs some help with the cleaning nad cooking and let's not forget homework.

Author

jada

Date

2006-04-25T11:58:57-06:00

ID

121828

Comment

For years I have heard young folks say "he or she is off the chain, or a party or event is off the chain." It has just occured to me what that really means. Might i now say, boy, that Frank is off the chain.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-04-25T13:00:55-06:00

ID

121829

Comment

This is off topic but can we get The Acting Mayor to step in and help some of these people that have sewage backing up in there homes by holding the landlords accountable or something, it is getting to be atleast a weekly ocurance on the 6:00 news of someone having sewage backed up somewhere on there property. It is really disgusting and is getting to be a regular occurance around the city.

Author

JAC

Date

2006-04-25T15:27:12-06:00

ID

121830

Comment

I agree with JAC. Last night (4/24/06) my son went out to get something to eat at Mcdonald's on Northside Dr/Hanging Moss and was about two minutes late of witnessing a customer firing shots in the restaurant. He was terrified, but there was no mention of this in the news. While the mayor is off chasing his dreams, there are things going on in this city that's not even being addressed by the media or Frank. Melton is a Fantasy Island castoff that is keeping our police so busy protecting him from Donelson until the rest of the criminals have a free pass to do whatever they please. Not I hear that Melton is in New York trying to push for gun shows to be outlawed. He can't see the forest for the trees. If you outlaw gun shows, people will drive a little farther to get them. If you outlaw strip clubs, people will drive a little farther to see the dancers. If you DO NOT prosecute the criminals, they will continue to commit the crimes.

Author

rufus

Date

2006-04-25T18:04:51-06:00

ID

121831

Comment

"If you outlaw gun shows, people will drive a little farther to get them. If you outlaw strip clubs, people will drive a little farther to see the dancers. If you DO NOT prosecute the criminals, they will continue to commit the crimes." Exactly, rufus, like the innocent people who keep getting shot for no apparent reason. I'm starting to think Jacson may have an undercover sniper or something. It's scary. Ray Carter, you really make me laugh (smile). ol Frankie boy has been 'off the chain' for quite some time now.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-04-26T12:52:00-06:00