Jackson Free Press

A man under Melton's protective custody ran off with a neighbor's car last week.

Since Melton became mayor in 2005, he has placed several suspects or witnesses under what he calls "protective custody," including Vidal Sullivan and Christopher Walker. Now, Michael Chapman, of Newton, Miss., who was also in Melton's "protective custody," has turned up missing from a local hotel after he stole a neighbor's car.

"He had brought my keys back after borrowing the car. I saw him when he got back, but then I went to the bathroom and when I came back, the keys and my car were gone again," said Vietnam veteran Charles Tolley, who also lives at the hotel.

Melton and police placed Chapman at the Best Value Inn & Suites, off I-55, two months ago to serve as a witness in an upcoming trial, according to The Clarion-Ledger, but District Attorney Faye Peterson said she has no inkling what trial that could be. "I have never heard of this man regarding any trial I'm working on," Peterson said.

Melton, who financed Chapman's first two weeks according to hotel receipts he signed, did not return calls for comment.

Tolley said Chapman called him a few times soon after the Thursday theft, assuring him that he was on his way back with his car, a red Oldsmobile Alero. "He said he was bringing it back, and I was hesitant to call the police because I heard that this guy was under protective custody or something, and I didn't want to get him in trouble, but I need my car," said Tolley, adding that Chapman had borrowed his vehicle before.

Chapman's father, Lamar Chapman, of Newton said he has not seen his son for some time but had heard that he was staying in Jackson. "I can't say if Michael is in trouble or not. I can't say if he's involved in some trial or having drug problems. I haven't seen my son in a long time," said Lamar. "I do want him to know that he's still my son."

Tolley says the police may be taking undue time in trying to get his car back: "I don't think they're trying very hard."

Officer Derrick Hern, of JPD auto theft, said his agency had not yet received Tolley's report from the officer making the report, even though it was made last week. Hern suggested the JFP speak to his supervisor Sgt. Jeremiah Jones. Jones did not return calls

Previous Comments

ID

66710

Comment

Funny how this is another "major" story that is somehow just being ignored by the "lamestream" press. Melton could run naked down Capital St. with a gun tucked in his G-string and the media would cheer him on! Good work Adam! It is a shame that one of Melton's associates steals a car and escapes while on the lamb from Atlanta; and the outcry is naught! So many people should just be ashamed!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-08-03T10:37:40-06:00

ID

66711

Comment

Everyone seen Darren's delicious cartoon this week?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-03T13:12:22-06:00

ID

66712

Comment

Has Chapman returned the car? Has he been located.? Maybe FM has relocated him to the county under "protective custody" Does the JPD ever give updates on these headline criminals?

Author

jada

Date

2006-08-11T19:43:43-06:00