Jackson Free Press

Frank Melton has pled no contest to three midemeanors on gun charges. As part of the plea, the felony charged Melton faced for carrying a weapon onto the campus of the Mississippi College School of Law was reduced to a misdemeanor.

Melton was sentenced to six months in jail, but the sentence was suspended. Instead, Melton will spend a year on probation. He will pay a $500 fine on each misdemeanor, along with court costs.

During the plea, prosecutors revealed that there were two student witnesses, one of whom saw the weapon itself and another who saw Melton's shoulder holster.

More details shortly.

Previous Comments

ID

124418

Comment

The rumor mill is buzzing..... Is he resigning or not!!! MC law students are dying to know

Author

AGamm627

Date

2006-11-15T11:35:29-06:00

ID

124419

Comment

Unreal.

Author

E

Date

2006-11-15T11:37:33-06:00

ID

124420

Comment

He's not resigning. But, this just shows how selfish and egotistical Melton is for letting this get this far when he could have done this a month ago!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-11-15T11:38:12-06:00

ID

124421

Comment

Does this mean Donna will not have to testify after all?

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2006-11-15T11:39:10-06:00

ID

124422

Comment

No one is testifying on the gun charges.

Author

E

Date

2006-11-15T11:45:35-06:00

ID

124423

Comment

Do court costs cover the cost of motel for the jurors?

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-11-15T11:53:00-06:00

ID

124424

Comment

Does this mean Donna will not have to testify after all? Yes, thank the good Lord. Now that my temporary gag is off, I can say to y'all that I was perhaps the most reluctant witness ever. As journalists, you don't want to take the stand about what you write, although it's inevitable that you get subpoenaed when you do detailed reporting. And in criminal cases, it's hard to quash subpoenas. I can tell you that the AG's office did no kind of prep of me, or even detailed interviews; they wanted me to simply answer questions based on what I had reported. As for this plea—under the circumstances, it strikes me as a major victory for the prosecution even though Melton pled to a felony. Here's why: It would have only taken one juror who who did not believe the MC students, and being that the judge had limited his defense to whether or not he had the gun inside the school, and the defense added Michael Recio to the witness list late in the game, my assumption is that he woud have testified that Melton left his gun outside. So the jurors would have to choose between Recio's testimony and the MC students. Thus, it was a tough case for both sides. Melton pled because he knew he was at serious risk of taking a felony if they went forward, and the AG's side likely pled because it is really something to get a sitting mayor to plead guilty to three gun crimes. Also, having those convictions on his record is going to make it very difficult for Melton to argue in the future that he should be able to again take guns into questionable places—in other words, an acquittal might have convinced him he was "bulletproof," so to speak. (And he's still under all bond requirements on the other charges, so nothing changes on that front.) It is also interesting that the judge was not going to allow him to use any kind of crime-fighting defense for the felony charge. And his line-up of defense witnesses was not impressive, considering his history with them. I'm still aghast that they added Joe Jackson, for instance. Also, the most important trial, with the most damning evidence, is next spring. My guess is that the prosecution (DA and AG) would not want him going into the big one with acquittals behind him. Again, a guess. All in all, this is a bit of a victory and a loss for both sides; however, my guess is that it helps the prosecution more than the defense in the long haul. After all, Mr. Melton just admitted criminal behavior for the world to see—and the big trial is still ahead of him. And he still can't drink, carry weapons, use police equipment or mentor young people under 17.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T12:00:40-06:00

ID

124425

Comment

Well, there goes Mark L's 15 minutes of fame! Since Melton plead guilty to the MCSOL incident then that would mean he DID have a weapon. But, that sure makes anyone who went around town blogging he didn't have a gun on him look a whole lot less credible in the local blogsphere. Just to remind the people of what was proclaimed by one Mark L. on the blogs: "I'm assuming he's calling the felony charge the MCSOL incident. As I said, I was there. I saw no gun. I saw not indicia of a gun. Nobody I have talked to saw a gun. Nobody I have talked to saw indicia of it. It wasn't a big meeting; and I know that someone called your buddy Kim's show sand said he saw a "characteristic lump" of a concealed weapon. I haven't identified who that person is, yet, though. The person I thought it might have been says it wasn't him. I think the AG is going to have a really hard time proving that charge. I'm aware of at least five people (six, if I count myself) who would be able to testify that they were there, that they observed Melton, and that he did not have a gun. Mark L. How's it feel to be strung along by the Melton?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-11-15T12:02:46-06:00

ID

124426

Comment

I can't believe Jim Hood let Frank get a free ride on this one. He missed the whole point. The city needs help getting RID of this mayor, not just slapping him on the wrist with a "stern warning" (again). Ok, so you got a misdemeanor plea. Well, guess what, you lost, Mr. A.G., and you did not protect the people of Jackson who need protecting. Frank can no longer govern effectively. He can no longer claim the respect he needs to lead this city and to be a role model for our youth. While my christian background wants me to believe in forgiveness and redemption, I think my city deserves better. We need a mayor, a leader, someone that can heal the wounds of the city and restore some dignity and pride to the office of mayor and someone that has a real plan for crime prevention and economic development, not just a bunch of "bottom line" one-liners and Hollywood acting. For the good of the people, Frank, how about putting the people first, for real, and not just rhetorically. How about stepping down and letting somebody else get a shot at leading our wounded city?

Author

FriendsofJackson

Date

2006-11-15T12:04:31-06:00

ID

124427

Comment

This was a major, major victory for the defense. No time, misdemeanors, a fine, and he doesn't have to give up office. Yea, Danks was worth it.

Author

E

Date

2006-11-15T12:07:42-06:00

ID

124428

Comment

You're right, Pike. It does mean that Melton admitted that he had the gun at MC. Friends, I can understand your frustration, but this isn't a loss for the prosecution. A loss could have been a "not guilty" verdit, and this was a tough case. The truth is, we're all on a continuum here to make this city a safer place—and keeping weapons out of the hands of Frank Melton is one of the many ways to do that (including making it safer for him and those close to him). Mr. Melton's legal woes are far from over, and having convictions on his record is not a good thing for him. It's not what I wanted, I promise you. If it wasn't a big deal to him, it would have done it long ago. This came to a showdown, though, and both sides blinked out of fear of losing. But one of the sides that blinked now has a criminal record and likely won't be able to carry guns again any time soon. And that is what really matters here. Making the city safer and healthier must always be the primary goal.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T12:10:19-06:00

ID

124429

Comment

Also, this was a nolo contendre plea. No admission of guilt, ergo, it will be extrordinarily hard to introduce this into the next trial about the house destruction.

Author

E

Date

2006-11-15T12:10:44-06:00

ID

124430

Comment

Chris, the court does cover the cost of the motel rooms for jurors, though they were put up in rooms with no televisions or Internet access. The horror! I am sure they are relieved that the trial is over, though it must be frustrating for them as well. They went through this long sorting process, and then just when the trial was supposed to begin in earnest, Melton takes a plea. I'll bet he lost their votes!

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-11-15T12:10:52-06:00

ID

124431

Comment

Actually, E, it wasn't. But they will spin it that way, and that's fine. It's the reality that matters to the city.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T12:11:12-06:00

ID

124432

Comment

I could have sworn I heard them state "nolo contendre"

Author

E

Date

2006-11-15T12:12:32-06:00

ID

124433

Comment

It doesn't seem like Melton's past admission of gun crimes is going to be particularly relevant in the next trial. It was more about sledgehammers and big sticks and young people.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T12:12:45-06:00

ID

124434

Comment

Gee E... I guess every capital city in the US should have a mayor that is on probation. Victory for defense doesn't mean victory for Jackson. Heck, this probably just lends street cred to Melton. Maybe he will get so some of the boys he mentors at the probation officer's office? So, now will he be subject to drug and alcohol testing?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-11-15T12:12:47-06:00

ID

124435

Comment

We should find out for sure, Pike. You would think he would have to take drug and alcohol tests regularly, right?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T12:13:47-06:00

ID

124436

Comment

Ladd, the Clarion Ledger is reporting that he pled no contest, which is the same thing as nolo contendre. No admission of guilt, but he does not dispute the charge. That doesn't make him guilty. I mean, he is guilty in the eyes of the media, the public, me and you, but in the eyes of the law its no admission of guilt.

Author

E

Date

2006-11-15T12:14:51-06:00

ID

124437

Comment

E, as I understand it, nolo contendre simply means the charges can't be used as admissions of guilt in future trials. That doesn't seem to be a big deal. The bigger deal, it seems, would have been Melton riding a wave of being found "not guilty" moving forward. Now, we have a mayor who has admitted three gun charges as we move forward. That's big.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T12:16:29-06:00

ID

124438

Comment

This would be like an Alford plea, right? Where he doesn't admit guilt, but admits the proscution has enough evidence to convict? The city of Jackson lost on this one. Frank needs to go. He has no regard for the law or other human beings.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-11-15T12:17:43-06:00

ID

124439

Comment

My point is I am right. He pled nolo contendre. And your wrong, scroll up, ladd. You said "Actually, E, it wasn't. But they will spin it that way, and that's fine. It's the reality that matters to the city."

Author

E

Date

2006-11-15T12:17:45-06:00

ID

124440

Comment

He's damaged goods in the eyes of the court. Up until then, he had no prior record. Now he does!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-11-15T12:20:54-06:00

ID

124441

Comment

Nolo Contendre Latin for "I will not defend it." A statement in a criminal trial where the defendant declines to refute the evidence presented but agrees to the charges presented in the complaint. It cannot be used as an admission in other proceedings. Spin it as you will, E, but the point is that he took these charges instead of fighting them clearly because he was afraid of being convicted of a felony. That's what really matters here for the city.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T12:21:13-06:00

ID

124442

Comment

This development doesn't surprise me, as I always felt this was a shaky case against Melton to begin with. On to the next trial.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-11-15T12:21:21-06:00

ID

124443

Comment

I could have sworn I heard them state "nolo contendre" Oh, I thought Melton was trying to say "no contest" but it came out "no contender". Anybody got this on tape?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-15T12:22:20-06:00

ID

124444

Comment

I agree, ejeff. This was always a tough case (the felony one) because they didn't have images of the gun. It was based on who the jury would believe. But I do give the AG's office credit for bringing it; they didn't have to.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T12:22:38-06:00

ID

124445

Comment

Not having seen any documentation on it, it seemed to me that he pled "no contest" (he said "nolo contendre" and Judge Green seemed to correct him to "no contest" to the *felony* conviction, but it seemed like a *guilty* plea to the charges that were initially misdemeanors. Maybe I'm totally misremembering that, and I'm sorry if so.

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2006-11-15T12:23:59-06:00

ID

124446

Comment

Yes, that's what I recall as well. The Clarion-Ledger is saying that he pled "no contest" on one gun charge and guilty on the other two. If that's the case, at least two of them are admissible in court in the future, no?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T12:27:19-06:00

ID

124447

Comment

Todd, that's how I recall it when I saw it on TV. I wish I recorded it. ejeff, it's a shame that you even have to say "On to the next trial". The next one is number three, right?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-15T12:28:59-06:00

ID

124448

Comment

From the Ledge: Melton’s defense attorney Dale Danks announced the plea. A no contest plea is the same as a guilty plea without admitting guilt. Same as guilty plea. Works for me. BTW: I do like the CL's new video reporting. Who knew Baydala was so cute?!?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-11-15T12:30:59-06:00

ID

124449

Comment

Donna, based on the definition you gave, it must just be two of them. I bet you said a big ol' PHEW when you found out you didn't have to take a stand, didn't ya? :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-15T12:32:35-06:00

ID

124450

Comment

You know, I don't take Judge Green's comment of "no contest" as a correction of "nolo contendre"; to me it was her making sure the audience and others were being told in English what it meant. I would think they are the same.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-11-15T12:37:41-06:00

ID

124451

Comment

A no contest plea is the same as a guilty plea without admitting guilt. Pike, that almost sounds like an oxymoron, but I get it. :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-15T12:38:53-06:00

ID

124452

Comment

to me it was her making sure the audience and others were being told in English what it meant. Clarification instead of correction. That makes sense, Chris.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-15T12:40:50-06:00

ID

124453

Comment

Oh yeah, another question: When a sentence is suspended and the defendant is put on probation, does that mean that he only serves the sentence if he violates his probation?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-15T12:47:30-06:00

ID

124454

Comment

Those midemeanors charges/convictions won't be used in the pending felony or misdemeanor cases/trials anyway, if any. Rules of Evidence would preclude it unless Frank somehow opens the door or does something that would allow them to come in as rebuttal. Getting rid of the felony charge was a good deal for Frank. Even if the State had gotten a felony conviction it wouldn't have been automatically admissible in the other felony trials, if any. Again the rules would present a likely block of this unless you can show relevance and other predicate or foundation. Clearly, both sides worried about losing and that's why they plead. The next trials will likely be of epic proportions. At least we getting Frank under control. Law is hard to easily grasp because it's necessary to have an understanding of evidence, procedure, and law. However, everyone here does a good job of being thoughful and logical.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-11-15T12:48:36-06:00

ID

124455

Comment

The 2 terms mean the same thing.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-11-15T12:49:46-06:00

ID

124456

Comment

The 2 terms mean the same thing. Thanks, Ray. I have to admit that when I heard it, I almost choked on my own saliva. I wasn't expecting that at all. Ray, you're not gonna get anything done today, are you? :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-11-15T12:58:39-06:00

ID

124457

Comment

Judge Green said no contest because she knew very few people would understand nolo contendre. Yes, LW if Melton violates he will have to do the time suspended. With all of these convictions being misdemeanors he may at some point get those charges expunged - taken completely of his record. Melton may finally be respectful or fearful of the system. He may even still plead to the other charges and resign. It all depends on how strong the evidence against him is.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-11-15T13:02:36-06:00

ID

124458

Comment

I'n checking out right now, LW. I sho' wanted to see some action though. I'm disappointed.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-11-15T13:05:13-06:00

ID

124459

Comment

Also no contest has the same effect as guilty except you get to tell people you never admitted guilt. I'm out. Sho nuff.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-11-15T13:13:55-06:00

ID

124460

Comment

Thanks for the explanation, Ray. That's how I understood it, even if I didn't express that well enough for all. And Adam just confirmed to me that he pled *guilty* to two of the misdemeanors and "no contest" on the felony-turned-misdemeanor. So it seems that an assertion of "no contest" on all the charges is incorrect. That is: guilty on two, "no contest" (guilty without admitting guilt) on one. Interesting place to be for a sitting mayor facing more felony charges (even if those charges won't be relevant in that trial).

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T14:37:46-06:00

ID

124461

Comment

"It doesn't seem like Melton's past admission of gun crimes is going to be particularly relevant in the next trial. It was more about sledgehammers and big sticks and young people. Posted by: ladd on Nov 15, 06 | 11:12 am" I beg to differ Donna. Here's why: Under the terms of his Mississippi Firearms Permit he was breaking law when he entered the so-called "drug house" on Ridgeway St. Also, when he entered The Upper Level, a nightclub that earns most of its revenue from the sale of alcohol, he voilated the terms of his gun permit. Also, Melton himself said The Upper Level was known for drugs, so that makes another reason why he shouldn't have been there with a firearm. Additionally, if he brandished a firearm toward Evans Welch, that another felony. He broke gun laws by committing these actions. His willfull habit of breaking gun laws should be front and center in the next trial.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-11-15T17:55:57-06:00

ID

124462

Comment

Good points, Cliff.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T17:57:09-06:00

ID

124463

Comment

Evidence of habit, routine practice, or custom are allowed in some cases with the proper foundation being met, especially in civil cases. However, in criminal cases, evidence of other bad acts or convictions such as carrying a gun routinely shouldn't be relevant to prove Melton committed burlary or whatever else he's charged with at the Upper Deck. The lawyers should file motions in limine to keep that out as irrelevant and prejudical and without any probative value.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-11-15T18:39:48-06:00

ID

124464

Comment

Ray, my point is, shouldn't there be other charges like the ones I mentioned?

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-11-15T19:15:06-06:00

ID

124465

Comment

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton should be given the Nobel Prize for his efforts to stop the lawlessness in the Capitol City. It would seem as if people like Attorney General Jim Hood and Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson took the side of the drug dealers, thieves, rapists, and murderers by trying to prevent outrageous crime fighting tactics in a city where the crime is outrageous. We need to make sure that Attorney General Jim Hood is voted out of office as soon as possible because he was elected with the premise of keeping his constituents best interest in mind, instead he has failed miserably when it comes to this situation. If he would spend the time and the resources fighting the hoodlums like he did fighting a mayor who received 88% of the vote there would be no problem in Jackson’s broken legal system. Faye Peterson needs to step down because she actually did violate her role as District Attorney when she decided to give legal advice to people she was hoping to convict for her own political gain. Peterson is employed because she has been given a friendly nod from the helpful hand of affirmative action. The notion that you can only let a black lawyer convict black criminals is absurd and the foundation behind why so many under qualified and inexperienced individuals are running the Capitol. The “system” works when the whole city comes together based on political columns. What would happen if the Clarion-Ledger, various news outlets, city officials, sheriffs department, schools, colleges, and anybody else that has teamed up to oust the mayor used the same effort to solve the crime problem in Jackson? To those who are the families of the murdered, I pray that your families find the Capitol City’s World Record Indictment Procedure just like Frank Melton did. God had a hand in this and if you haven’t already downloaded a copy of “Lean on Me” please do so. Play this loudly and never forget about hope! Fight Frank, Fight!

Author

Skinnyp

Date

2006-11-15T19:37:25-06:00

ID

124466

Comment

So... From the coverage I heard, the defense witness wasn't willing to submit to a polygragh. Hmm...hey wanna-be, your pathetic solicitation of Donna for an interview after the trial speaks of your desparte need for attention. Guess you need to figure out a new way for new-found fame and maybe a chance at losing your virginity. You.won't.get.an.interview.sh!thead.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-11-15T19:37:39-06:00

ID

124467

Comment

Oh, and chump...even the fugly girls think you're a dork now.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-11-15T20:08:05-06:00

ID

124468

Comment

I'll give you one thing. I do not believe either Jim Hood or Haley Barbour are interested in what happens to Jackson. Barbour is more interested in the Gulf Coast post-Katrina right now, and Jim Hood had reason to go after Frank a while back and deferred. It took a crazy vigilante like Frank Melton to get people's attention. And, I do believe this: his heart was in the right place. But he could have done things by the law, and he chose not to. Now, Jackson is in trouble. Mississippi already has a bad history: one which a lot of people outside the state still believe to be true. And, with someone in charge like Frank, Jackson will be the laughingstock of the state. The slate needs to be wiped clean (mayor, council, everybody) and we need to start over with a new vision. Jackson will suffer otherwise.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-11-15T21:29:28-06:00

ID

124469

Comment

In my view, any further attempts to prosecute him are pointless. He's essentally won this round, and now can win others.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-11-15T21:35:01-06:00

ID

124470

Comment

In my view, any further attempts to prosecute him are pointless. He's essentally won this round, and now can win others. Care to elaborate on why that would be the case? Just curious...if anything, I'd call this round a "draw" -- I don't think Melton expected to be on probation at any point in his superhero crime fighting career -- and he's facing multiple felony counts on the Ridgeway Street incident that will be in court next spring. So, I'm just askin' -- whatchatalkinbout 'Ghost?

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2006-11-15T21:44:35-06:00

ID

124471

Comment

No, No & No., IG. This is what we currently have: A Mayor who is a convicted purjurer. A Mayor who is a convicted misdemenant. A Mayor who is on probation for a year, complete with an officer. A Mayor free on bond. A Mayor under criminal indictment. A Mayor who cannot use or be around drugs or alcohol. A Mayor who's freedom to travel is restricted. A Mayor who cannot be around minors. A Mayor who cannot carry a gun. A Mayor who cannot use JPD equipment. A Mayor who is probably awaiting Federal charges.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-11-15T21:56:12-06:00

ID

124472

Comment

What you have here is, in my unlawyerlike but cynical eyes, is a win for Frank. He's beaten the Prosecutor once now, by avoiding a trial and getting off with a slap on the wrist. He's still rich, and can keep the best at his side while pulling off even more stunts. I also have a hard time believing Frank will actually ever go near a jail as a citizen. Rather than go forward and fight for a win, everyone gave up and called it a day. He won't serve time, might not even send the small check in for his "fine" and I doubt anyone would actually find him breaking probation. You can also wander on any campus with a gun now and argue it to a misdemeanor now. Frank did it, why can't anyone else? I understand I'm cynical and pessimistic. But this looks to me like a rich person skated away from something that anyone else might get hit with.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-11-15T21:56:19-06:00

ID

124473

Comment

Iron. When he woke up this morning, he didn't have a rap sheet; now he does. He's been convicted of gun crimes. The hill will only get steeper...and, er...muddier. Federal charges are coming.... He's screwed.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-11-15T22:02:45-06:00

ID

124474

Comment

Oh, and good list Chris.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-11-15T22:05:38-06:00

ID

124475

Comment

And the most important thing is that someone not qualified or licensed to handle weapons as he does cannot continue doing that in very dangerous situations. What kills me about the whole "politically motivated" excuse is how backward that is—this was a daring political move against a relatively popular person. It's silly to argue that it's "politically motivated," when there is no guarantee of how the politics would work out. That's excuse-making. The most remarkable part are the people who do not understand what a powderkeg this situation had become. Regardless of politics, it would have been extremely irresponsible for the AG or DA to allow Melton to continue his "crime-fighting" techniques the way he was doing them. And it's not like anyone can even argue that they were working. Beyond that, he was warned in no uncertain terms about breaking the law. Saying that Melton "won this round" makes no sense, Iron, with due respect. It's a crazy world when someone being convicted of three gun crimes and put on probation for a year is considered a victory. And I think it would be foolish to think that this judge is not going to monitor him closely. He's going to have to work very hard to stay out of jail, I'd guess. Don't forget: He made this bed for himself by breaking the law purposefully. The man is an adult; he needs to take responsibility for his actions. With any luck, he's grow through this all and come out on the other side with more respect for the law.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T22:05:54-06:00

ID

124476

Comment

Aaaah, the smell of youth mixed with ideology! Arguing the nuances of the law and all the turns. Reality is neither side wanted to lose face. Convict Melton and face the wrath of a popular Mayor. Hood more than Faye had more to lose. Frank's popular in the sticks, Hood's constituents. Send him packing and the Republicans next campaign slogan is "Hood convicts Crime Fighter!". Go to trial, Melton is rolling the dice that at least one juror is on his side. Danks would have had a field day raking Hood/Peterson in the court despite Green. Can you say appeals with no gag? Danks would have indicted the entire Hinds County justice system before it was done. Great theatrics making for many headlines. I believe Ms. Ladd had the best analysis above. Who's next for the pittard!!

Author

Doc Rogers

Date

2006-11-15T22:11:24-06:00

ID

124477

Comment

ladd: "But one of the sides that blinked now has a criminal record and likely won't be able to carry guns again any time soon. And that is what really matters here." O.k. Donna...you nailed this one with Ann Coulter clarity. Please accept my left-handed compliment, but, you nailed that one. HARD. Damn.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-11-15T22:13:58-06:00

ID

124478

Comment

Wouldn't that be a right-handed compliment? ;-) I accept, though.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T22:22:39-06:00

ID

124479

Comment

does anyone have any comment on officer recio's late revelation that he would testify that frank left the gun in the car?how could the defense attorneys reasonably believe this man was telling the truth?arnt lawyers under an ethical duty not to permit perjured testimony?

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-11-15T22:23:06-06:00

ID

124480

Comment

Oh, and Donna. BTW. With all the nut-balls out there, if you need me to have your back, I'm the ready.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-11-15T22:23:57-06:00

ID

124481

Comment

Hmmm. That's an intriguing question, being that the lawyers would know that the witness who saw the gun passed a polygraph, even if the jury couldn't hear that. Also, I'm curious whether, on cross-examination, the prosecution could have brought in Recio's indictments in Ridgeway in order to question his reliability in this? And I will always wonder what former FBI agent-turned-WLBT-executive Joe Jackson would have said to help Mr. Melton in this case. It's not like he was there with him at any of those places. Of course, neither was I; thus why I wasn't surprised (and was relieved) that the judge wasn't going to allow them to put me on the stand.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T22:27:56-06:00

ID

124482

Comment

Chimney, you actually believe that?

Author

Doc Rogers

Date

2006-11-15T22:34:29-06:00

ID

124483

Comment

Which part, Doc? That he might have been lying, or that attorneys cannot knowingly permit perjured testimony? (I'm not saying they did, by the way; this is for the sake of chimney's argument.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T22:39:54-06:00

ID

124484

Comment

Wouldn't that be a right-handed compliment? ;-) I accept, though. Posted by: ladd on Nov 15, 06 | 9:22 pm No wonder "they" hate you. All this and brains too. The poor, sad bastards.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-11-15T22:40:30-06:00

ID

124485

Comment

Thanks, Cliff, btw. You're my favorite Republican. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-15T22:40:35-06:00

ID

124486

Comment

You and Brian are my favortite non-republicans! Adam and Todd too.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-11-15T22:43:17-06:00

ID

124487

Comment

Both, jurors rely on testimony being truthful. Doesn't matter if it is or aint. Up to the lawyers to spin it, jurors to beleive it. Please let's not defend lawyer ethics/honesty. We live in a State where you can openely bribe a judge and call it a loan.

Author

Doc Rogers

Date

2006-11-15T22:45:42-06:00

ID

124488

Comment

If the DA couldn’t convict Albert “Batman” Donnelson, a known gang member, drug dealer, and murderer that the JFP tried to glorify in one of their issues, then I wonder how she will be able to convince a jury of Melton’s peers who are just as fed up with the crack houses as everyone else. This is Mississippi and juries here rarely follow evidence and testimony (remember all the reprieves Edgar Ray Killen was blessed to receive). Juries in MS trend to sympathize and I feel like this will be the case in April. It will be hard to get all 12 to commit to a verdict. I believe we are all in store for a hung jury or another plea bargain agreement with Frank staying on as mayor. Sorry for all you haters, but trying to oust the mayor isn’t going to work. Fight Frank, Fight.

Author

Skinnyp

Date

2006-11-15T22:50:56-06:00

ID

124489

Comment

I'm surprised the the defense's witness wouldn't take the lie detector test. You have to wonder how the defense feels about that? That seems important since Hood put out there in the press. Fight Frank, Fight... LOL!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-11-15T23:46:23-06:00

ID

124490

Comment

What will happen to the young man who brought a gun on HJC campus?? Will he be allowed to plea to a misdemeanor and get his sentence suspended??. This is very interesting and timely considering what happened to FM. Money and power talk bulls--t walks.

Author

jada

Date

2006-11-16T01:00:36-06:00

ID

124491

Comment

a late coment on pleading no contest. Do that on a DUI charge and see if the result isn't the same as a guilty verdict.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-11-16T01:35:32-06:00

ID

124492

Comment

Last night's TV coverage and the comments by dismissed jurors, along with FM's own interviews with 16 & 3, and comments like SkinnyP's and Charles Evers, are excellent reasons to seek and obtain a change of venue in the coming trials. Didn't they recently import a jury for a case instead of changing the location of the court? BTW, I loved Chimneyville's observations regarding ethics. Like many professions, they need to be reinforced by the group. A few months ago someone talked of 'skating up to the line and eventually crossing it'. Guess that could apply to both attorney and client in this case.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-11-16T07:16:05-06:00

ID

124493

Comment

I'm with you Cliff on charging Melton for other gun violations too if warranted. Receio's indictment would have been barred from discussion if properly contested/objected to, but any jury who was still breathing would have known about it any way. Peterson isn't a product of affirmitive action but of popular vote. If I were the District Attorney I would be excited about prosecuting Frank on the other cases. The greater the talents of the opposition are, the harder and smarter I would prepare to meet the challenge. Winning one or all of these cases would shut up all her detractors, and cause fear throughout the district. I don't think her leadership is necessarily any worse than Ed Peters was, but he had better talent and greater experience personnel working for him. I have a small dilemma now. Craig Washington is a friend and mentor to me but I still want Frank gone. I really wanted the trial of yesterday to seal his fate as gone as our mayor. I don't necessarily want Frank in prison but I want him out of the mayor's office.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-11-16T10:04:15-06:00

ID

124494

Comment

There are two words (among many, not printable) to describe FM, ETHICALLY CHALLENGED! I have to believe that if you're constantly walking in fire at some point you will get burned. Stay tuned!!!

Author

maad

Date

2006-11-16T11:06:58-06:00

ID

124495

Comment

Skinnyp, you are a fool if you think we tried to "glorify" Batman by allowing him equal time. Grow up.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-11-16T11:21:29-06:00

ID

124496

Comment

A Mayor who cannot use or be around drugs or alcohol. But, if the kids are in his house, he will be around it. A Mayor who's freedom to travel is restricted. He won't listen to this. A Mayor who cannot be around minors. But he will. A Mayor who cannot carry a gun. I'll bet, within the next two to three days, he will be carrying again. And he's set a precedent: anyone caught carrying on a campus has a legal precedent to plead down to a misdemeanor. A Mayor who cannot use JPD equipment. He'll be right back in the MCC pretty quick, too. A Mayor who is probably awaiting Federal charges. Maybe they'll do a better job than the local authorities did. He's continuously thumbed his nose at the laws of the City he claims to love. None of that will change. If he wants to do good for the City of Jackson, he needs to resign. He's tarnished the image too much already.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-11-16T12:27:00-06:00

ID

124497

Comment

Fight Frank, Fight. Notice SkinnyP missed a punctuation mark. He/she is telling us to Fight Frank. :)

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-11-16T12:31:02-06:00

ID

124498

Comment

Well, well, well.... What do we have here: Teen faces felony charge for bringing gun to school from the Clarion Ledger. A 15-year-old who took a loaded gun to school on Tuesday will be expelled from school for a year and faces a felony charge, authorities said. The student will be expelled from school for a year and not be allowed to attend any public school district in the state during that time, Arledge said. WOW! That is harsh! If I was the parents of that child, I would have my lawyer point to Melton's plea bargain; and then sue the pants off of the local and State school boards for damages. I don't want children bringing guns to school either. But, this is too much, especially since our mayor has shown that "hey, it's cool to carry a gun with you - anywhere!"

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-02-01T15:50:05-06:00

ID

124499

Comment

gun toting *bump*

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-02-01T20:11:57-06:00