Jackson Free Press

Melton learned recently that people outside of Jackson get nervous when civilians pose as licensed law enforcement officers. Staff members at the office of U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson report that the congressman got a little shaky when Melton—who is not a licensed member of law enforcement—wore a badge claiming he was. Thompson's chief aide Lanier Avant said Thompson was more edgy knowing that the badge allowed Melton to carry a firearm into his congressional office.

"This was the first time in 13 years that someone who we knew was not a police officer wore a placard saying he was," Avant said. "There is a problem when an individual who is not certified can enter the capital complex and get one of these badges, which denotes that he's carrying a weapon—especially when he's walking into a member's office."

Melton was in Washington pushing Thompson to press for $29 million in federal money for city infrastructure repair. Avant said the Melton weirdness will have no affect on the congressman's efforts to secure the city money, however.

"The congressman's job is independent of how certain individuals choose to conduct themselves. So every effort that we would give on behalf of the people of Jackson will be given whether the mayor is Harvey Johnson, Frank Melton or whomever," Avant said.

Previous Comments

ID

66704

Comment

Again, Melton can claim a Representative of the United States "set him up" at an airport and you hear nothing but crickets from the "lamestream" media and our elected leaders.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-08-03T10:39:35-06:00

ID

66705

Comment

It's always someone else's fault, you know.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-03T10:42:15-06:00

ID

66706

Comment

Just think of the brownie points Thompson could have earned had he called Melton on the whole "impersonating a police officer" thing with the Capital Police around to listen in. Wish he had.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-08-03T12:57:51-06:00

ID

66707

Comment

Donna, did you happen to see a "collection" of badges at Melton's house? Maybe it's just a hobby. (snicker)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-08-03T19:50:30-06:00

ID

66708

Comment

It looks like mayor Melton is conducting a Crime Summit on August 31 to which everyone is invited. Will it be meaningful? Perhaps if many people show up and tell him and the media what works, what needs improving and what must end. According to the mayor's office it's scheduled for August 31 at 7:00 AM at the Mississippi Telecommunications and Conference Center. The address is 105 Pascagoula Street. That's a Thursday morning, by the way... One suggestion I'd have is to schedule Crime Summitt's on a weekend so working Jacksonians can attend. I will be there and hope others will be too.

Author

Brent Cox

Date

2006-08-04T12:03:21-06:00

ID

66709

Comment

Yeah, a Thursday morning is a very weird time. But, I agree, Brent that people should show up and really participate, and make them listen.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-04T12:16:48-06:00