Jackson Free Press

Although AG Hood soft-pedaled on Melton at his recent press conference, the letters he wrote to Faye Peterson and, in particular, Frank Melton, mince fewer words. In the letter to Melton, Hood writes that although there is no state statute for violating people's civil rights (through unreasonable search and seizure), "there is such a federal criminal statute." Hood continues: "Any evidence obtained during an improper search would be suppressed by a court. Since you are not a law enforcement officer, you do not have qualified immunity and may have subjected yourself to both federal and state civil law suits by the person whose property was searched. Police work should be left to the men and women trained to do that work."

Note that this bears little resemblance to Goliath's take on Hood's decision, that he had determined that Melton broke no laws. Hood continues: "You should also bear in mind that the job of a prosecutor is an uphill battle. ... You do no one any favors by handing issues to defense attorneys on a silver platter."

Hood then reminds Melton that although he does have gun permit (now), he may not bring a gun to many, many places. Among them: bars, courtrooms, any police station, any jail, any school, the passenger terminal of any airport and even parks.

Check out the letter here, Hood to Melton.

Hood's letter to Peterson is here, Hood to Peterson.

Previous Comments

ID

172416

Comment

Check out AG Hood's letters to Faye Peterson and Frank Melton. Despite the tone of the press conference and the C-L's inevitable failure to get the point, Hood actually lays into Melton. See for yourself.

Author

Brian Johnson

Date

2006-06-02T17:10:42-06:00

ID

172417

Comment

Check out AG Hood's letters to Faye Peterson and Frank Melton. Despite the tone of the press conference and the C-L's inevitable failure to get the point, Hood actually lays into Melton. See for yourself.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-06-02T17:11:45-06:00

ID

172418

Comment

And his letter to Peterson acknowledges the difficult situation Melton has put her in. Nicely done, Mr. Hood. I may have underestimated you. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-06-02T17:21:56-06:00

ID

172419

Comment

Yeah he does lay into Melton, my favorite part is "she is in charge, not you." I'm lovin' it. He (Melton) might need to be bashed in the head with that statement a few more time before it actually sinks in. Wapt did a story today on how the NAACP is launching an investigation of Melton. The sad part about the whole story is that they have people who have come foward in saying that they feel their civil rights have been violated BUT they are not willing to go before a judge. Really sad, what is the purpose of even coming foward if they are not going to truly pursue?

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-06-02T17:45:16-06:00

ID

172420

Comment

They may be afraid. My impression is that many people are afraid to not let Melton in their house or car. Others were happy with it. Yes, when you read these letters, you see that the reporting on this by the mainstream was woefully lacking on this story. That said, his remarks at the press conference didn't exactly reflect the tone in the letters. We'll have more good stuff in this in the issue next week, so I'll stop here and let y'all wait. ;-)

Author

ladd

Date

2006-06-02T19:11:23-06:00

ID

172421

Comment

I am almost SURE that when one applies for a gun permit, there is a minimum waiting period of 150 days. At least that was the case when I got my last permit. There is an issue of extensive background checks and etc. How did Melton get his permit so quickly? Melton never stopped carrying guns on planes, on raids and everywhere else (by his own admission). Why are the people in authority so afraid of this man? He has broken the law, plain and simple. He should be prosecuted, plain and simple. This looks like a joint attempt to embarass ar shut Peterson who is only doing the job that she was elected to do. Again I say how did Melton get a permit so much faster than anyone else?

Author

lance

Date

2006-06-02T19:43:12-06:00

ID

172422

Comment

Is there a 150-day waiting period? That would be interesting. Cliff, you out there? I agree with Lance. The mayor should get no privileges that other citizens don't when it comes to these kinds of matters.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-06-02T19:45:09-06:00

ID

172423

Comment

Donna, I got my last permit about three or four years ago. I have a friend that has his own business that applied for his license this year and he had to wait 150 days until his background check was complete. Things could have changed, but if they did, I am not aware of it.

Author

lance

Date

2006-06-02T19:52:47-06:00