Jackson Free Press

According to a WLBT report, Mayor Frank Melton was armed when he demolished a house Friday at 1616 Valley Street in Jackson. Melton told the station that he is demolishing places where "dope (is) being sold or consumed." If that is the case, Melton may well have violated a direct directive yesterday from Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood who told him in June in a strongly worded letter that he would be prosecuted if he continues violating state criminal statutes. One of those statutes prohibit the mayor, or anyone else other than a real law-enforcement officer, from carrying a weapon in one of 19 locations. Those locations include places where illegal drugs are sold or used. The list also includes churchs and public parks—both places Melton has been seen carrying weapons since the attorney general's letter warning him to not violate the law by carrying weapons into illegal places.

From WLBT:

Demolishing homes is just part of his plan to clean up the neighborhood. He's also hired neighborhood youth to clear trash out of empty lots and cut the grass.

"Were gonna do four or five more next week, then we got another list that were gonna do. We're just getting them done by DEQ, to make sure we don't have to abate them, but they've been going in here smoking crack, and I've said it publicly, and I'll say it again. Everywhere we find dope being sold or consumed, we're gonna take em down, " Melton said.

Melton walked through the Washington Addition Friday with some of the new city employees who were armed with crime tape.

The Mayor was, we'll just say, armed. Every house the mayor deemed was an eyesore, or a haven for drug users, immediately received a yellow bar across the front porch.

Previous Comments

ID

122965

Comment

Hmm....have they been documented to be drug havens? If not, then there is his out. If so, well, then he'll get a beotch-slap for not keeping his mouth shut hopefully.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-08-19T16:30:12-06:00

ID

122966

Comment

Well, it's a problem when he himself is calling them that himself. Think about it. And I assume that if the police have been called there at any point, that would count as documentation. Just sayin'.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-19T16:33:36-06:00

ID

122967

Comment

Do you think our attorney general will actually prosecute, though...? I mean, obviously he should. That's his job. But he's up for reelection next year, and since nothing came of the St. Andrew's violation... Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-08-19T16:38:29-06:00

ID

122968

Comment

I'm just saying legally he might have a way out. Would make him look stupid argueing it BUT it would probably give him a way out. Lets be honest though, I think Hood will do what is possible to avoid prosecuting him though. Peterson should do so if its a violation of the law although I don't know if you want to see your mayor and DA going at it in court.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-08-19T16:44:26-06:00

ID

122969

Comment

It would be an argument, but not an especially strong one should the prosecutors play back the tapes of him saying he is choosing these houses based on which ones have crack being dealt in them. Go listen to the tape at WLBT. Besides, should they be building a case, the examples keep piling on. He is carrying guns all over the place. In that videotape, he is carrying it in his hand pointing it at the ground, while walking amid those young lawn boys who he has hired to help him. I believe they're minors, or at least some of them. Of course, he also had them in the Mobile Command Center watching TV the night Brian went out with him when he was supposedly looking for Vidal Sullivan. And he was armed that night, too. The dangers here are everywhere. And he has never provided evidence that he has firearm training -- at least not since he lived in Texas more than 20 years ago. The whole thing is baffling.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-19T16:51:35-06:00

ID

122970

Comment

I don't know if he will prosecute. His threatening letter was very strongly worded, though, even if most of the media didn't report it that way because Melton got to them first and fibbed about what had happened in the meeting with the AG. (rolling eyes)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-19T16:52:38-06:00

ID

122971

Comment

All I'm saying is that it takes more than him callling them drug havens to violate that part of the law and a clever lawyer will use that as an excuse. I know for the feds to seize property for being a drug haven there have to be a documented pattern of behavior and criminal activity supported by arrests and convictions and notice to the landowner that something is going on or if its visible enough he should've known. Notice I'm not disagreeing with prosecuting him. When the NRA and the more um, "progressive" citizens agree he is careless with guns and is a threat to others, something needs to be done.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-08-19T17:03:23-06:00

ID

122972

Comment

Kingfish, I suspect that there are objective standards in place to handle the plausible deniability issue or the drug havens clause wouldn't be in the statute. Simply put, if Melton has been recorded calling it a drug haven and then walks in with a gun, I'm pretty sure that means he'd be in trouble if the AG prosecuted. Just as he'd be in trouble if the AG prosecuted him on walking into St. Andrew's Cathedral with a sidearm. The problem is that AG didn't prosecute him on the latter, so I question whether he'd prosecute on the former. Donna, definitely agreed that the press dropped the ball on the strongly-worded letter--one more case where they were basically regurgitating the mayor's talking points instead of doing real journalism--but tough words are easy. Actually indicting the mayor of the capital city is another proposition entirely. I'm not entirely sure Mr. Hood has the guts for it, but I'd be thrilled if it turns out that he does. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-08-19T17:21:56-06:00

ID

122973

Comment

All I'm saying is that it takes more than him callling them drug havens to violate that part of the law and a clever lawyer will use that as an excuse. I'm sure that's true, Kingfish. That's the main reason Hood says he didn't prosecute him the first time. However, with the violations piling up now, and after a stern warning, it could get easier so he choose. And I believe he should choose to, if Mr. Melton is not going to respect public safety without such an effort. Which seems to be the case. I've said many times that I believe his cop-posing habits are a menace to Jackson society, so to speak. Someone is going to get killed, or hurt.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-19T17:22:21-06:00

ID

122974

Comment

wait til he actually feels threatened. Might be scary. Thing is, he will never be in a situation where he would be because he never goes anywhere without the Praetorian Guard.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-08-19T17:28:32-06:00

ID

122975

Comment

I definitely agree that Hood should choose to prosecute. Just wish I thought he'd actually do it... I just generally don't expect much from our statewide elected officials, which might not be fair. But let's face it: the slate of incumbents we've got right now tends to reward cynicism. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-08-19T17:47:01-06:00

ID

122976

Comment

Once again Melton had proved that hs IS the "Ultimate Authority". I would just about make a bet that you couldn't melt Hood down and pour him on Frank.

Author

lance

Date

2006-08-19T17:55:31-06:00

ID

122977

Comment

My jury's out on whether I think Hood would/will do it. I do think it's possible, though. I think he took this problem more seriously than people gave him credit for, especially the mainstream media. And don't forget that our public officials are in a tough spot; if anything happens to a citizen or a Melton due to illegal tactics that no one did anything about, it's going to fall on a lot of shoulders. Another reason I wouldn't be surprised to see something happen above Mr. Melton's head. Frankly, I think it would be good for him to realize that he is not above the law—and it's certainly a message to be sent to the young people who see him thumbing his nose at the law, and think they want to do the same thing. If "Frank" can do it ...

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-19T17:59:40-06:00

ID

122978

Comment

I doubt we'll see Hood do anything.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-08-19T18:00:58-06:00

ID

122979

Comment

"All I'm saying is that it takes more than him callling them drug havens to violate that part of the law and a clever lawyer will use that as an excuse. I know for the feds to seize property for being a drug haven there have to be a documented pattern of behavior and criminal activity supported by arrests and convictions and notice to the landowner that something is going on or if its visible enough he should've known. Notice I'm not disagreeing with prosecuting him. When the NRA and the more um, "progressive" citizens agree he is careless with guns and is a threat to others, something needs to be done. Posted by: Kingfish on Aug 19, 06 | 5:03 pm I would also point out that it's not just about guns. Members of the NRA don't agree with Melton's 4th Amendment violations either.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-08-19T22:05:15-06:00

ID

122980

Comment

One statement I'm concerned about: Everywhere we find dope being sold or consumed, we're gonna take em down, " Melton said. For the most part, I support that statement, but if someone sold drugs in those high-rise condos on Meadowbrook and I-55, would he want those torn down, or just the run-down houses?

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2006-08-19T23:18:54-06:00

ID

122981

Comment

Bottom line: Melton is not an LEO. Therefore he is subject to the firearm laws for regular citizens. If he has a CCW permit, then he can carry everywhere other than those places specified in the CCW law (churches, schools, etc.). If he does not have a CCW permit, then he is breaking the law by carrying a firearm on his person. Lex Rex.

Author

Mark Geoffriau

Date

2006-08-19T23:34:40-06:00

ID

122982

Comment

The scariest part of this situation is that Melton knows the stipulations set upon him by Attorney General Hood. The fact that he will go on tv with a gun and flat out state that he is inside a drug haven is an illustration on his part that he is not going to be "bullied around" by our state Attorney General. This is the same attitude he takes with all city government officials and policies. His attitude is that he is doing the will of "the people" and he is willing to stand up to these pesky government officials and policies that are keeping West Jackson down. "The people" to whom he is referring see him as a hero and he is very comfortable with that...he may even believe it himself. Everytime he knowlingly violates a direct order from a city official and receives no backlash it will further validate his power and he will become that much more crass in exercising it.

Author

daniel johnson

Date

2006-08-20T10:11:39-06:00

ID

122983

Comment

What would be worse if Jim tried to make a case before he knew for a fact he could convict him. If for some reason Frank went to court and won he would truly become a terror. I like to think that Jim Hood is building a case such that he can convict Frank without a shadow of a doubt so that he can do this right the first time.

Author

daniel johnson

Date

2006-08-20T14:11:16-06:00

ID

122984

Comment

The Mayor was, we'll just say, armed. Every house the mayor deemed was an eyesore, or a haven for drug users, immediately received a yellow bar across the front porch. Are you sure they were saying that Melton had a gun? It sounds like a play on words to me since the quote includes the phrase "we'll just say". I thought they were talking about being armed with the yellow bars. I just want to make sure the JFP doesn't get blasted by WLBT for misinterpreting something.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-08-20T20:07:07-06:00

ID

122985

Comment

L.W., watch the video. He's holding what looks like a semi-automatic handgun in his right hand, as he is walking with the kids. It is pointing at the ground. I'm glad no one yelled, "boo!"

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-20T20:35:11-06:00

ID

122986

Comment

I think most handguns are semiautomatic. One pull of the trigger and one round is fired. ;-) that is obviously very unsafe and he should be REALLY called to task for it. Its not hard for an accident to happen.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-08-20T21:32:24-06:00

ID

122987

Comment

L.W., watch the video. He's holding what looks like a semi-automatic handgun in his right hand, as he is walking with the kids. It is pointing at the ground. I'm glad no one yelled, "boo!" The stupid video won't play for me. I think it's my Internet connection.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-08-20T22:05:23-06:00

ID

122988

Comment

I just saw the video. The gun is a semi-automatic Glock-17; standard issue for JPD. I noticed some things right away with his gun handling, or lack thereof. He is not aware of where the gun is pointng. Notice how he walks and his hands are moving in stride with his body? That's wrong; he shouldn't do that. The gun should be in front of his body at a 45 degree angle pointed towards the ground, finger off the trigger (couldn't see if it was ), ready to engage the threat. It should be THE central most part of his mental and physical awareness. It's not. He's looking ahead and the gun's off to the side. When I teach the use of firearms, I compare it to driving as the learned skills are so similar. And, in this case, would you have your mental focus down by your side, or looking through your windshield, able to check your mirrors in the direction your going? Since the gun is off to his side and out of view, it would be very easy for someone to snatch the gun out of his hands. And, the young man behind him has a better chance of getting shot than a perp who may surprise the mayor. That kid shouldn't even be there with the mayor; it's just dumb. If there was a problem and someone started shooting at the mayor, the kid's in the line of fire. Now, if everyone rememers the incident with 870 riot shotgun he was pointing at the ground from the WAPT footage... that gun, unlike the pistol should've been pointing up, and away from the area. Why? Because, there were many people around, it was a hard surface and he wasn't approaching a threat. Now, with the pistol: Why shouldn't it be pointed up? The mayor is walking on a soft surface(looked like dirt). If a shot is fired accidentally, the groung would absorb the lead and not riochet. Bullets can, and do come out pistols and rifles and fall to the earth and hurt people. It's called "terminal velocity". It (injury) typically won't happen with pellets from a shotgun. In fact, it's common occurence for shot to come down on hunters in dove fields. If he continues playing with guns, he will have an accident. He doesn't know what he's doing. Maybe then, his die-hard supporters will do something. www.nrams.com

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-08-21T07:02:13-06:00

ID

122989

Comment

Thanks, Cliff. I'd hoped we'd hear from you on this. From the video, it was clear to this non-gun expert that Mr. Melton is being careless with guns, and kids, once again. I just don't get it; it's as if he is daring something to happen. He does like drama. My question is: Why won't someone stop him from dangerously playing with guns on the streets of Jackson and with young Jacksonians by his side? Someone? Anyone? Do people who can do something about it just not care because they consider these throw-away neighborhoods and people that's he's endangering?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-21T09:52:44-06:00

ID

122990

Comment

Cliff Cargill gave a very scholarly assessment of melton and his gun carring practice. Thanks Clif. Still another issue is that of melton acting as a one man show in pointing out the properties to be "taken down." This just can't happen in a democracy. It is like being charged with a crime and melton personaly driving you to the electric chair. king melton said it and your life is over. Where is "DUE PROCESS?" This is entirely too much power for anyone! Wake up Jackson. The City has a problem and when you can not depend on elected officials to take action - the community itself must rise up.

Author

justjess

Date

2006-08-21T10:36:56-06:00

ID

122991

Comment

I thought that even with a CCW you could not "brandish" or keep the weapon "readily accessable" i.e. unholstered or carried openly unless you were at a "recognized shooting event", since the weapon is no longer "concealed", I have always considered MS law on this odd, in that a holstered pistol on your' hip is "concealed" by the holster, but if the thumb break is released, it's now "readily accessable". Cliff?

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-08-22T10:15:25-06:00

ID

122992

Comment

The CL ran a story today about Melton taking some kids to City Hall to be talked to by the Council. These kids were picked up in Washington Addition and are said to be breaking truancy laws. Melton, according to the CL, "is taking them to his north Jackson home to talk to them some more before returing them to their parents." How does this man get away with all of this WRONG STUFF?? Where is Wakings in all of this? Where is DHS? This man is just one big accident going someplace to happen!

Author

justjess

Date

2006-08-22T15:32:15-06:00

ID

122993

Comment

Yes, that is one of the most remarkable demonstrations I've ever heard of—he paraded them for the City Council cameras, and then all the Council people lectured them, too. Meantime, he didn't exactly have them in school, either. He's using them for political purposes. Does he have any scruples?!? And the taking-them-to-his-home part left me speechless. I guess a quick swim in Melton's big-ass pool cures all ills that inflict Jackson?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-08-22T15:54:04-06:00

ID

122994

Comment

"I thought that even with a CCW you could not "brandish" or keep the weapon "readily accessable" i.e. unholstered or carried openly unless you were at a "recognized shooting event", since the weapon is no longer "concealed", I have always considered MS law on this odd, in that a holstered pistol on your' hip is "concealed" by the holster, but if the thumb break is released, it's now "readily accessable". Cliff? Posted by: JLYerg on Aug 22, 06 | 10:15 am" Sorry it took so long to reply to this; I had to do some research. The Mississippi Dept. Of Public Safety, the agency that issue the permits says it should be fully concealed. Attorney General Jim Hood told Melton that he could openly carry with a permit. So, there seems to be problem because now permit holders are saying,"Well if he (Melton) can do it, so can I...." The DPS is not happy with Melton or Hood. And why would they be? Look at all the confusion this stupidity of this cop-wanna-be is causing. I don't want be people openly carrying if it's not within the law. Especially if the public ar large doesn't understand the law. Think about it. If you see someone walking with a holstered firearm and no uniform, it's going to make you feel uneasy. You've probably had that feeling when you've seen a dectective in plain clothes wearing a gun and small badge; it made you wonder until you saw the badge. Where is our Attorney General on this?

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-08-25T06:26:42-06:00

ID

122995

Comment

Cliff Thanks. Perhaps the confusion is betwwe what is "concealed" in an automobile vs. what is consealed on your' person. The other states I have lived in with CCL are very clear that concealed carry means concealed carry to the extent that you need the same justifications to show the weapon as you do to draw and fire it

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-08-25T12:00:14-06:00

ID

122996

Comment

The Mississippi State Legislature made your vehicle an extention of your home when they passed the CC law in 1990. What that means is that you are allowed to carry a firearm within the confines of your vehicle without a permit. I have checked this out with many law enforcement officials and attorneys. But, I'm not giving legal advice, and, as always check it out for yourself with an attorney. www.nrams.com

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-08-25T13:52:26-06:00

ID

122997

Comment

Couldn't figure out where to put this, but am I the only one who saw WLBT's news tonight? Did it seem to you, as it did to me, that members of the Woods Street Gang got off the JPD's mobile unit that FM uses and beat a man in hand cuffs?

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-08-27T22:42:34-06:00

ID

122998

Comment

Chris, you're correct. It's been reported by WLBT that members of the Wood Street gang allegedly exited the mayor's mobile command vehicle at the Upper Level Club early Sunday morning around 1:30am, and accosted the club's manager. According to the station, several bystanders confirmed the incident. The incident may have been recorded by the club's security cameras as well. I thought the Wood Street gang members were Melton's enemies. Also, what's the mayor doing "hanging out" with the likes of those guys at 1:30am in the morning? Makes you go uuuhhhhmm!! The club's owner has contacted her attorney.

Author

Joerob

Date

2006-08-27T22:50:58-06:00

ID

122999

Comment

I caught the report in progress but thats what seems to have happened. Frank actually looked a little scared, like he even knows he realy f-ed up this time. Hope it gets more coverage. Plus the upperlevel may have the fight on security video.

Author

jd

Date

2006-08-27T22:51:43-06:00

ID

123000

Comment

I couldn't believe that one. Of course, no one in Jackson will hold Frank responsible. Of course, no one will prosecute him.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-08-27T23:01:27-06:00

ID

123001

Comment

Wow! WTF!??! This is absolutely horrible if this is what happened. I hope that his staunchest supporters feel proud! Witnesses outside the Upper Level Nightclub say a group of men who were riding on the J.P.D. Mobile Command Center attacked a handcuffed man. According to witnesses and staff at the Upper Level Nightclub, Mayor Frank Melton and his security detail came to the club around 1:30am Sunday morning. Police arrested Tonari Moore, one of the club's managers. Many witnesses and club officials tell WLBT they watched as Tonari was handcuffed and taken away from the club. When he was near the Mobile Command Center, they say a group of men got out and attacked him. So, who handcuffed him? Either a JPD officer did or the Mayor's security detail handcuffed him. If Melton was still there when the beaten victim was taken to the hospital where was the Mobile Command Vehicle? Where were the "guests" of Melton's if they got "back into the vehicle" as the story states? Can you say aiding and abetting? Still a lot of wiggle room without witnesses who would go on tape and without video. However, if it is even remotely close to the truth then I think it is past time we got rid of the mayor, his staff, and his gang associates. Jackson would be a better place without them! Feeling safer in Jack-town tonight?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-08-27T23:24:55-06:00

ID

123002

Comment

What does having gang members beat a handcuffed nightclub manager have to do with fighting crime? If this is true, I hope they caught it on tape. Also, if Melton is inside that club and their main source of revenue is alcohol, then he's violating the terms of his Mississippi Firearms Permit. One day, and very soon...mistakes will be made that he can't recover from.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-08-28T07:02:33-06:00

ID

123003

Comment

When our camera arrived, Moore was obviously in pain. The mayor and many others helped him get on his feet. He was put on an ambulance, and the mayor went with him to the hospital. I wonder how big a check Melton wrote to Moore on the way? ;-) However, I think it may be useful to interview the EMT drivers to see if anything incriminating was said by Melton or Mr. Moore.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-08-28T09:43:31-06:00

ID

123004

Comment

I caught this on WLBT last night. If you look at the footage, you could tell that Moore was hardly able to stand up without assistance. I also saw him on the stretcher while he was placed in the ambulance. In that same block, a woman was shot in the leg Sunday night. Her and her friends were walikng to a car when she was approached by a man she did not know. She refused to talk to him, so he shot her. I also saw a report that Melton had to go to the hospital Saturday night: The mayor called WLBT around 9:15 and said he injured his hand while entering a drug house. City of Jackson spokesman Tyrone Lewis said Melton and officers were checking drug houses in the Virden Addition area off Bailey Avenue when it happened. Melton described his injuries as cuts to his hand. Officers say he was bleeding heavily. We do not know the severity of his injuries, but Melton was conscious and talking before being taken to UMC.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-08-28T10:08:39-06:00

ID

123005

Comment

The Breaking News, opening the Saturday 10:00 PM WLBT report was that Melton had called them around 9:15 PM and was bleeding profusely and either going to or in a local hospital. Sunday night WLBT carried the Upper Limits Club report and said that a person had been apparently beaten while in handcuffs and not by the JPD. This episode can be watched on WLBT.com.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-08-28T10:21:11-06:00

ID

123006

Comment

Actually, WLBT doesn't have the video from the news report posted yet - just the story. Which is typical for them. I hope they do more on this story. Funny though that the C-L just kind of "missed" the altercation and only reported that the owner and son were arrested after a "fracas outside the Upper Level Bar and Grill." Any idea what the fracas was CL?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-08-28T10:38:11-06:00

ID

123007

Comment

Why weren't the guys, pardon me, "THE MAYOR'S GUEST," arrested fpr beating those guys???????? Why would melton ride these youngsters around at 1:30 in the am. in the TAXPAYERS command unit? This is fast becomming a lawless town and I'm reminded of what has happened in other Cities under this type of leadership or the lack there of. It is always SOMETHING. Friday, he burns down houses inadvertently and says that he does not give a d@#$ what the environmentalist says: Sat., he is tearing down crack houses or having a drug raid; then, Sunday he is at the Upper Level in the Command Unit with his "GUEST" who takes part in his type of policing (beating the h$$$ out of a man in handcuffs). This is too much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Author

justjess

Date

2006-08-28T11:17:11-06:00

ID

123008

Comment

The CL had the facts wrong on the population at the stadium and so did melton. "This is new for us". I don't think so, pumpkin. Having 60 thousand people in the stadium is nothing new for Jackson. If you don't want to give the Johnson Administration credit for being able to get that population number in and out of the stadium for the eight years he served, then give the credit to Ole MS and MS State. Jackson State University has packed the house for many of its games, especially those with such teams as Southern University, Alcorn and Valley State Universities and you can believe that people were not trying to get in post half-time because of traffic. Has everyone gone brain dead? But, I should remember, going to games is not a pastime for fm.

Author

justjess

Date

2006-08-28T11:51:40-06:00

ID

123009

Comment

Anyone following the Upper Level "fracas" should post comments on this thread, and stay tuned for further updates.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-08-28T12:01:01-06:00

ID

123010

Comment

you mean to tell me the bumpkins in oxford can get them in and out and handle security, concessions, etc and yet the sophisticated city slickers can't?

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-08-28T12:15:19-06:00

ID

123011

Comment

Well Kingfish, I'm saying that is was evident that melton does not have a plan and neither does Jane Sargent. The police department, sorry to say, is also without a plan. Sat. was a true test of these things I have been saying for 13 mos. I'm going to let the Oxford folks kick your hinney and I will keep mine out of the way. (Many Smiles)!

Author

justjess

Date

2006-08-28T12:46:47-06:00