Jackson Free Press

Read the original JFP story here that exposed the Ridgeway Street incident.

View the JFP Gallery of Frank's Urban Demolition here.

UPDATED: Check bottom of story for updates.

What was once a modest duplex near the intersection of Ridgeway Street and Livingston Road has been ripped apart like a half-rotten skull. Windows along the sides and the back are empty of glass in some spots, and the interior is heaped with the fresh remains of the occupant's clothes, electronics and other belongings. The eave of the house collapsed to the graveled front yard hours after residents say Mayor Frank Melton and young cohorts shattered the front wall supports that held it with sledgehammer.

Since the Jackson Free Press on Friday broke the story online that Jackson Mayor Frank Melton may have taken a cadre of youths in the Mobile Command Center to destroy the 1305 Ridgeway Street home, the mayor has attracted the most criticism of his tenure. Many city residents are inflamed after witnesses in Virden Addition went public with claims that the mayor oversaw young men, possibly including minors, demolishing the privately owned duplex on Aug. 26, just hours before witnesses claim Melton's young entourage beat a man in handcuffs outside the Upper Level Bar & Grill. That same night, Melton went to University Medical Center with cuts on his hands.

On Tuesday, District Attorney Faye Peterson said that if the accusations are true, Melton could be charged with up to three felonies—from malicious mischief, to directing or causing a minor to commit a felony, to conspiracy—carrying up to $10,000 in fines and 20 years in prison. As of Tuesday night, even more Virden Addition neighbors are surfacing to tell a sordid tale of a mayor, a group of young men and their sledgehammers.

"They came and messed this place up, like they owned it," said neighbor Michael Smith. "They tore up everything. They messed up the front of the house and knocked out all the windows, then they tore up the front of the building, saying the man staying here was dealing (drugs). That man wasn't dealing drugs. He was just trying to mind his own business."

Smith refers to Evans Welch, the 45-year-old tenant police arrested that night on misdemeanor charges including marijuana possession. He is being held in the Hinds County Detention Center without bond, and his mother says she has not been able to see him.

"They won't tell me why they arrested him, and I'm really worried about him," Lawana Welch told the JFP. "He called me the night they got him saying, 'Momma, Momma, call the landlady. Call the landlady. Tell them that I've been paying my rent.'" He also told her that "Mr. Frank" had hit him in the head "with a hammer."

Jackson resident Jennifer Sutton, 37, owns the property, although Pearl resident Minnie Rhodes holds the mortgage. Sutton said she felt powerless while the mayor of her own city destroyed her property.

"I spent the first few days after this just being distraught," she said. "I mean, what can you do? Call the police? Melton is the police. It's like there's no one to go to. What do you do when the mayor comes and destroys your property?"

Rhodes, 78, says both she and Sutton are gearing up to file both civil and criminal charges against Melton.

"I told Jennifer that I'm ready to go all the way," Rhodes said. "Somebody's got to stop this man. I remember thinking that my (deceased) husbands' hands that built this place will never be able to build it again, and I was furious."

Three City Council members supported opening an investigation into the mayor's actions, but four others did not.

"The people involved in this issue need to follow the process," Council President Ben Allen told the JFP. "If you got charges, file charges or affidavits and let the process fall in place. In my opinion, the City Council is the legislative branch of government. We're not the courts. There's a system in place, and if we subvert the system, we're not doing good service."

Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes, who represents Ridgeway Street, said he stood behind the city destroying property it did not own, so long as the end justified the means.

"Get the dope out of my ward, get it out of Virden Addition, get it off Ridgeway Street," Stokes said. "If we're talking about an elderly person living there and not doing anything illegal, and the mayor goes in there with sledgehammers, it's wrong, let's stop it. But if we got a house with drugs present and if they need to use sledgehammers to get dope out of Jackson, then let's use sledgehammers."

When pushed for a comment on due process, Stokes was adamant, saying that residents supported the property destruction.

"People want the dope out of Virden Addition. …We got absentee landlords getting rent and letting these houses being used by dope dealers. It's against the law, and we're not going to take it anymore. … Why can't people in my ward have the same quiet as people in Eastover have? If they were in Eastover selling dope, they'd get it out. Get it out of my ward, too. Get the dope out of my ward by any means necessary."

Ward 4 Councilman Frank Bluntson was still in the denial phase.

"I wasn't with him, I don't know (what he did)," Bluntson said. "I can't believe nothing you guys (the media) say."

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon stormed out of the Sept. 5 executive session on the matter.

"We were not able to achieve (an investigation) today, and I'm very disappointed. I think that we, as council members, have a responsibility to see that lawlessness does not take over our city," Barrett-Simon said. "It was a three-four vote, and I was on the losing side. Very disappointing." Councilmen Marshand Crisler and Leslie McLemore also supported opening an investigation; Charles Tillman joined the opposition.

Precinct 4 COPS moderator Bob Oertel said he was growing furious at the increased lawlessness of the Melton administration.

"With the amount of apathy in our society these days, I'm not really surprised that this could happen. That's the thing. Where is the f*cking outcry? Mark McCreery, in the crime summit, nailed the crime issue on the head. Everybody in the room said leadership is the problem, but we're lacking that right now. I'm going to tell Margaret (Barrett-Simon) that I'm going to actively support her. Something has to be done, and it has to come from the grass-roots level. It's neighbors and businesses and everybody saying 'This is bullsh*t, and we're not going to stand for it anymore.'"

Mark McCreery, director of SafeCity Watch, said he did not necessarily trust neighbors' accounts.

"The actual event itself sounds like a lot of extenuating circumstances that are going on," McCreery said. "Don't put yourself in a position that would get yourself in trouble. It just sounds like the mayor needs to rethink his strategy. Getting himself in a position to be criticized is something that he needs to sit back and think about," he said.

On Tuesday, the district attorney would not say publicly if or when she might plan to bring charges against Melton and his entourage. She made it clear that, contrary to statements by Melton supporters, charges do not hinge on whether victims press charges. "We could go straight to the grand jury," she said.

Were Melton convicted of a felony, under state law, he would be removed from office.

As of Tuesday, Welch's condition and status were unclear. Sheriff Malcolm McMillin did not return phone calls.

UPDATE
Virden Addition Neighborhood Association President Jimmy Robinson said that the mayor's administrative assistant, Stephanie Parker-Weaver, was at the property, with what appeared to be a private contractor, making a cost assessment of the damages. Hours before that, Sutton hung up on Melton when he offered to rebuild her home, according to WLBT.

Brian Johnson and Donna Ladd contributed to this report.

Previous Comments

ID

123102

Comment

Thank God for the JFP!! This conduct by the Mayor (if true), along with the long list of other improprieties during his tenure, should be enough for the average person to cringe in disgust, if not fear out of their own safety. Back in the 1940's when I was born, there was a man in Germany that got away with murder, literally (6 million jews, as I recall) while a nation watched in "apathy" or perhaps fear and did nothing about it. Excuse the cheap shot analogy, but, honestly, it does seems apropos here. It's time for "Joe six-pack" and for the "98-year old grandmothers" and for all the rest of us, Black and White, rich and poor, to march in the streets and storm city hall to get some answers and to make sure that we do not let the Mayor and "his people" (whoever they might be) turn this city into a police state, all in the name of law enforcement. The entire integrity of our city is in the balance. No matter what the end being sought (as proclaimed by Kenny Stokes), when the means are lawlessness and wanton disregard for the rights, safety and property of others, IT IS NOT JUSTIFIED AND CANNOT BE TOLERATED by a democratic society. And, on another note, while I'm on a tear, I find it hard to support a 2-mill tax increase for JPD pay increases when we're wasting so damn much money in JPD parading around in the "mobile command"vehicle at the whim of our so-called commander in chief. How many times have I seen presidential-type motorcades of Frank and company flying through the streets of Jackson, looking for who knows what. How much money and resources from my hard-earned tax dollars are beinq squandered catering to the whim of this ego maniacal mayor? Does anyone know? Better yet, does anybody else think that's a proper question to ask, or am I missing something? p.s. thanks, Adam and Donna for staying on top of the news and being journalists. Please keep it up.

Author

FriendsofJackson

Date

2006-09-05T23:47:17-06:00

ID

123103

Comment

Melton, Stokes, and everyone else that supports this atrocity are all sidestepping a very important fact................They did not go through ANY legal channels to get permission to tear this house down. AND THAT MY FRIEND IS THE BOTTOM LINE! It could be also said that Melton is running a house of ill repute at his own domicile. There are nothing but troubled teens and who knows what else is going on out there. Does this mean that if we think illegal activity is going on at Melton's house that we may storm it with our sledgehammers in hand? If you think that your neighbor is selling drugs from their house can you just go over there and destroy it? If you think that someone posesses illegal drugs in their car are we allowed to just take their car? HELL NO. There is a process in place for LAW ENFORCEMENT to deal with these issues. Not some self-righteous moron to parade in upon an individual's civil rights. I support the DA'a office with everything that I have to help put Public Enemy #1 where he belongs.......in jail with the rest of the criminals.

Author

lance

Date

2006-09-06T08:16:32-06:00

ID

123104

Comment

On a slightly irreverant note: Can we get Dave Chappelle to come down here and tape a few skits making fun of Melton. We were cracking ourselves up the other day, thinking about Chappelle playing Melton. Maybe he'd do a fundraiser, to help the city pay for all the lawsuits we're gonna be facing?

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-06T08:20:52-06:00

ID

123105

Comment

Yeah Lance. Let's go to Frank's house and mow it down and then see if he has anything to say. Seriously though I agree with your points. There is a legal system in place that must be followed. The mayor thinks that he is above the law. It's begining to look like the AG agrees. He has been so quiet until I wondered if he is still in town. If Hood tries to prosecute anybody for anything close to the crimes that Frank has committed, they should also get a free pass, or the mayor and whoever commits these crimes should be prosecuted equally. I wonder what the national media is going to do with this latest episode of "Frank, Texas Ranger". What would Frank do if he went up to another house and he meets violent opposition? What if a gun battle ensues and some innocent people are hurt? Does he have enough money to make it all better, or will he just stand by and say that he wasn't there all over again?

Author

rufus

Date

2006-09-06T08:27:23-06:00

ID

123106

Comment

Okay, add Mike McCreery to the list of MORONS in this one. Mark McCreery, director of SafeCity Watch, said he did not necessarily trust neighbors’ accounts. “The actual event itself sounds like a lot of extenuating circumstances that are going on,” McCreery said. “Don’t put yourself in a position that would get yourself in trouble. It just sounds like the mayor needs to rethink his strategy. Getting himself in a position to be criticized is something that he needs to sit back and think about,” he said. He's worried about the Mayor getting himself into a position where he's going to be "criticized"? Thank heaven for the JFP, for Peterson, for Barrett-Simon (I'm in her district!), Crisler, and McLemore.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-06T08:29:11-06:00

ID

123107

Comment

Can we get Dave Chappelle to come down here and tape a few skits making fun of Melton. -Kate I'll send an e-mail to his show and see if he will do it! We are going to need some serious money on hand if these affected people start to litigate.

Author

lance

Date

2006-09-06T08:30:04-06:00

ID

123108

Comment

New Clarion Ledger Poll: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage Should the Jackson Council investigate Mayor Frank Melton's actions? YES X no

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-09-06T08:31:36-06:00

ID

123109

Comment

Stokes said: It’s against the law, I say: Yes, Frank's actions were totally against the law. and we’re not going to take it anymore. Word.

Author

Tim Kynerd

Date

2006-09-06T08:33:20-06:00

ID

123110

Comment

RE: the Chappelle Fundraiser - we need funds for the litigation *AND* a fund to keep Adam Lynch at the JFP, reporting and investigating his heart out. And, if there's enough left over, brain transplants for certain council members and other "leaders" of our city.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-06T08:34:24-06:00

ID

123112

Comment

and the no's are at 70% right now.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-06T08:36:50-06:00

ID

123111

Comment

Don't forget about that ignorant statement made by Bluntson.....“I wasn’t with him, I don’t know (what he did),” Bluntson said. “I can’t believe nothing you guys (the media) say.” Will he ever be out of debt to Melton? Can he not just stand for the right thing without making sure that he dosen't offend Melton? Thank you Councilwoman Barrett-Simon, Councilman McLemore, and Councilman Crisler for doing the job that you were ELECTED to do, and that;s try and keep this city safe and progressive. Stokes, is such a lost cause. He has proven what many have thought about him all along.

Author

lance

Date

2006-09-06T08:36:50-06:00

ID

123113

Comment

To add to kate's lament about McCreery: Mark McCreery, director of SafeCity Watch, said he did not necessarily trust neighbors’ accounts. “The actual event itself sounds like a lot of extenuating circumstances that are going on,” McCreery said. “Don’t put yourself in a position that would get yourself in trouble. It just sounds like the mayor needs to rethink his strategy. Getting himself in a position to be criticized is something that he needs to sit back and think about,” he said. The mayor "needs to rethink his strategy." WTF!?! Maybe you Meltonites and Safe-City Suckers need to wake up and realize you put a bad man into office. I think if the Meltonites had a candidate for Mayor, that could win, you would have ran Melton out of town a month or two ago. But. You. Don't. So, you hang on to, and apologize for the disaster called Melton. Despite how bad animage it is for Jackson and your buddies on the Council look!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-06T08:50:09-06:00

ID

123114

Comment

Speaking of the Council, they sure are taking beating in the press today. “Cowards” reads one story. Another tells of how they let us down. WAPT is calling it "another example of Broken Justice in Jackson." I hope our 4 councilmen are proud of themselves. Did y'all see how angry Ben Allen looked when he said: "Don't dump it in our laps to sort through. We are the legislative branch of the government, not the Gestapo." So, the people come to you because the executive branch is out of control and hope you will help them get answers; and, all we get is a rant about not dumping this in your laps. If the people can't come to the Council with complaints or looking for answers, then you have failed as an elected official of the people. You act as if the council has never taken it upon them to help a citizen and demand answers of the Mayor's office for the public. Didn't y'all just give Peaches $12,000? She came with a complaint, she says was due to the cities slow pace for revitalizing Farish St., and you guys were falling all over yourselves to help her. Can you say hypocrite? It's pretty clear from the way the four councilmembers are responding that they only have the interest of Frank Melton in their hearts and not the City of Jackson. Come on Stokes, you expect us to believe you want drugs out of your Ward when for years you haven't done squat about it!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-06T09:09:09-06:00

ID

123115

Comment

Pike, Allen's just coming up with some real winners, isn't he? I liked this one, in Adam's article: “The people involved in this issue need to follow the process,” Council President Ben Allen told the JFP. “If you got charges, file charges or affidavits and let the process fall in place. In my opinion, the City Council is the legislative branch of government. We’re not the courts. There’s a system in place, and if we subvert the system, we’re not doing good service.” I mean, is this a directive for Melton, or what? Let's re-write... “MELTON needs to follow the process,” Council President Ben Allen told the JFP. “If HE got charges, file charges or affidavits and let the process fall in place. In my opinion, the City Council is the legislative branch of government. We’re not the courts. There’s a system in place, and if MELTON subverts the system, HE's not doing good service.”

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-06T09:31:13-06:00

ID

123116

Comment

Y'all, this may sound weird, but: With any luck at all, I'll be moving to Jackson soon. Does anybody know where there is a map of the ward boundaries in Jackson, so I can try to get one of the decent councilmembers as my representative on the City Council? Best, Tim

Author

Tim Kynerd

Date

2006-09-06T09:35:34-06:00

ID

123117

Comment

This whole situation is insane...not to mention the certifiably crazy 70% on the Clarion Ledger website who think there should be no investigation. What???? I feel like I am living in the Twilight Zone right now. There is no accountability in this city anymore.

Author

kp

Date

2006-09-06T09:41:13-06:00

ID

123118

Comment

The idea that the legislative branch of government must vigigantly serve as a watchdog over the executive branch is expressly recognized in mississippi municipal government.section21-8-13(4) of the mississippi code states that "the council,in addition to such other powers and duties that may be conferred upon it...may require any municipal officer,in its discretion,to prepare and submit sworn staements regarding his official duties,and otherwise to investigate the conduct of any department,office or agency of the municipal government." additionally,section 21-8- 27 states that "the council shall have the powr to investigate any part of the municipal government and for that purpose to compel the attendance of witnesses and the productionof documents and other evidence." the legislative branch of government nationally has been a bullwork against tyranny and abuse by presidents and their underlings.

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-09-06T09:46:33-06:00

ID

123119

Comment

Tim, that's not a crazy question at all. I'm in Fondren, and am in Barret-Simon's district, and, due to some INSANE Gerrymandering, also in Bennie Thompson's district. Don't know of any handy maps though. Good post, chimneyville.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-06T09:51:29-06:00

ID

123120

Comment

Don't know of any handy maps though. I can't find any on the city's (unbelievably bad) Web site, either. :-( This seems so fundamental that I can't believe it's not there. How can you NOT show people where the ward boundaries are?

Author

Tim Kynerd

Date

2006-09-06T10:02:04-06:00

ID

123121

Comment

as for which ward you reside try this: go to the hinds county web page found at www.co.hinds.ms.us and click to the election commission link then click to polling place locations. find your polling place and it will tell you which city "ward" you are in and every other distict from congress on down

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-09-06T10:03:17-06:00

ID

123122

Comment

This seems so fundamental that I can't believe it's not there. How can you NOT show people where the ward boundaries are? --welcome back to Mississippi! ;-) it's like another world here at times

Author

Izzy

Date

2006-09-06T10:03:52-06:00

ID

123123

Comment

Isn't it Hood's job to sort this out? Has he made any public comment yet?

Author

Izzy

Date

2006-09-06T10:04:18-06:00

ID

123124

Comment

as for which ward to move to as a political strategy try moving where you can vote to remove the unsuitable incumbent.take your pick.aint nobody gonna beat margaret.they love her in midtown as much as they do belhaven.

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-09-06T10:07:49-06:00

ID

123125

Comment

Frank Melton aka Mayor Tookie Williams (gang leader), Mayor-Can't -Do-Right, or Mayor-A'int-Gonna-Do-Right is apparently corrupting the youth in his house and tutelage. He's likely teaching them they, like him, are above the law, and that it's alright to participate in the illegal crusades of destroying property, and beating up people the mayor doesn't like. Other youths beyond the household of the mayor are watching this too. Just as Tookie Williams gained widespread recognition and hero status by a vulnerable and ill-advised group of younsters, so is the mayor by pretending he's one of them or loves them so dearly. If Frank truly loved the fatherless and hero-worshipping black youths as much as he claims to, he would set a better example. Otherwise, he's just like too many rappers - talking a good game and not doing jack of any consequence. Unfortunately, youthful persons, especially those without fathers, are eagerly searching for identity, self-esteem and self-worth. They deserve better than pimps, soulless rappers, and a mayor and city council who don't give a crap about following law and procedure. In the eyes of some, not doing anything after the mayor's wrongdoings is the same as condoning them on the front end. Saying get the drugs out of my neighborhood or ward by any means necesaary might be a good thing if it wwere said with any conviction at all and follow-up to make sure they're removed legally by some real crime plan as well. Otherwise, this comment is nothing but calculated grandstanding and bullshit to quell the criticism of the moment. I hope Ms. Peterson succeeds at indicting Frank and getting a conviction. He won't stop short of it. The city council has squandered a chance to do the right thing and I hope all four of those councilperson supporting the mayor's latest acts get what they're due next election. Beyond the concerns of the youths, which I spent too much time on here, the City of Jackson, desperately needs someone who wants to be mayor and will do the job.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-06T10:09:43-06:00

ID

123126

Comment

Yep.. the city's website is a complete embarrassment. It's been this way for as long as I can remember. A new one is supposedly in the works, though. Though, this was announced over 6 months ago. How !@#$# long can this take? Crime stats, etc. are supposed to be online "soon", too. I expect to see this "next week" when the "plan" is announced, as well.

Author

millhouse

Date

2006-09-06T10:31:50-06:00

ID

123127

Comment

I wonder what would happen if Frank Melton went to Northeast Jackson where Mr. Allen lives and tore up a home with a sledgehammer? Do you think Mr. President Allen would investigate him then? And Councilman Stokes, shame on you. These people have voted for you for years and you stand up behind Frank Melton on doing something like this to one of your own. It must be a mighty big check you and your mama are getting from Melton to make you sell out like you have. Election time will be coming soon, and I think you just might not have a job after this. Everyone knows that Melton has Tillman and Bluntson in his pocket, but you too!!!!! And Mr. Allen, yes the white folks in Northeast Jackson put Melton in office, but are you so scared that you can't do the right thing. Shame on you too.

Author

Constituent

Date

2006-09-06T10:47:39-06:00

ID

123128

Comment

as for which ward you reside try this: go to the hinds county web page found at www.co.hinds.ms.us and click to the election commission link then click to polling place locations. find your polling place and it will tell you which city "ward" you are in and every other distict from congress on down That works fine for someone who already lives there, but not for someone who's (we hope) going to be looking for a place to live. I need a map. as for which ward to move to as a political strategy try moving where you can vote to remove the unsuitable incumbent.take your pick.aint nobody gonna beat margaret.they love her in midtown as much as they do belhaven. That makes sense in a way, but for the short term I think I might rather be in a ward where I can help put pressure on my councilmember to investigate FM. That means either being in a ward where the councilmember voted for that, or a ward where the councilmember is amenable to pressure to change his mind ("his" only, because there weren't any female councilmemberes voting NOT to investigate him, were there?). Best, Tim

Author

Tim Kynerd

Date

2006-09-06T11:01:35-06:00

ID

123129

Comment

I feel sorry for the man who is in jail that lived in the home. His mother can't see him and they won't tell her why he's been arrested. He is a mentally ill person that has learned enough to live on his own and now because of a crazy coked out mayor, has no place to live. I hope there's an attorney somewhere in Jackson that can help him. Obviously, he and his mother don't have the money.

Author

Constituent

Date

2006-09-06T11:06:23-06:00

ID

123130

Comment

I hope Ms. Peterson succeeds at indicting Frank and getting a conviction. He won't stop short of it. -Ray Carter You'er are right on the money. I have no doubt in my mind that Melton knows that he is breaking the law. He is just taunting the council and the AG's office to see how far he can go. He tried to bully DA Peterson earlier, but it didn't work. I applaude her for standing her ground. Melton has exposed to us just how weak and timid some of our leaders really are. In the past these "leaders" never had to step up to the plate because no one ever challenged their authority as the mayor is doing. If some of the past criminal element had known just how easy this was, they would have done the same thing that Melton is doing now. Everything has a consequence. Even Melton. Hopefully sooner than later. The antics of the mayor has made the job of cleaning this town back up a real chore for the next person in the position. It's obvious that it is going to take the voice of a judge to stop this maniac. I hope that it's just a matter of time before we are headed back in the right direction.

Author

lance

Date

2006-09-06T11:11:54-06:00

ID

123131

Comment

If you happen to hang around in City Hall, there is a lovely color-coded map of the wards by the City Clerk's office. And if you don't hang around in City Hall, why not? It's fun.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-09-06T11:25:54-06:00

ID

123132

Comment

Ray, we had someone who wanted to be mayor and who did the job and we blew it. There was no doubt Johnson enjoyed being mayor and loved this city. Because he was doing the job and not out media hunting everyday, some people thought he was too slow, arrogant or distant, all this being incorrect. He was about the business of moving this city forward. And for sure we all can attest to the fact that not one time did he do anything locally or nationally to embarrass himself or this city. One thing for sure FM will not be able to say the same thing. How awful this man is.

Author

maad

Date

2006-09-06T11:41:44-06:00

ID

123133

Comment

Check with the City Clerk's office, maybe they can FAX you a map with ward boundaries. There is an update at the bottom of the above article worth reading.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-09-06T11:48:11-06:00

ID

123134

Comment

If I was the landlord, I would have anyone with the city arrested for trespassing on the property until an investigation is completed. Also, if the City hires a private contractor isn't Melton admitting guilt? Michael Jackson paid off that kid the first time he was accused of molestation. Did it make you think he was innocent? Isn't Melton protecting the youths who did the bulk of the damage? Has the city solicited the proper bids to allow whomever the private contractor is to do the work? Would this contractor be the lowest bid? Is this type of stuff in the budget?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-06T12:02:45-06:00

ID

123135

Comment

There is a rule of eveidence that precludes "remedial measures" from being admissible in court as evidence of guilt. This is particularly so in civil cases, and arguably so in criminal cases too. If I were Melton I would do all I could to fix that house or pay for any damages before any trial of any sorts. This shouldn't in any way preclude a conviction if Melton's involvement can credibly be proven otherwise beyond a reasoable doubt.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-06T12:15:29-06:00

ID

123136

Comment

I probably should have said to prove "guilt or responsibility."

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-06T12:16:52-06:00

ID

123137

Comment

It's not real clear which major roads are the boundaries, but it's better than nothin'. http://www.jacksoncommunity.org/images/Jackson_Ward_Map.jpg

Author

bobnoxious

Date

2006-09-06T12:45:52-06:00

ID

123138

Comment

Constituent writes: I wonder what would happen if Frank Melton went to Northeast Jackson where Mr. Allen lives and tore up a home with a sledgehammer? Do you think Mr. President Allen would investigate him then? You've nailed it. This quote needs to be printed in 24-point type and stuck on the door of City Hall. Melton is being allowed to do this because, and only because, his victims are low-income and black. If he ever tried this in Eastover, he would be gone so fast it wouldn't even be funny. And as anyone familiar with the city knows, there are at least as many drug stashes in Eastover as there are on Wood Street. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-06T12:49:31-06:00

ID

123139

Comment

Tom, I'd say low income and can't fight back. That poor lady who lost her home seemed pretty white to me. Pikersam, I understand the frustration but an arrest was made there so they can re-enter the premises that night. I'm sure Ray knows all the case law for that point. Consitutient, not being harsh but has he learned to live on his own? He has a history of trouble with the law. Yes some of the charges were dismissed however, you know as well as I do alot of times that is because charges are dropped by complainant, especially in domestic cases. Mr Welch suffers from a condition or illness. He may need some type of supervision however based on his criminal record. Having said that and expecting the canons to start firing at me immediately, that does not excuse what Melton did and he SHOULD be investigated and prosecuted for his actions. Just think while he was chasing people and playing cops and robbers we had a disaster over at the stadium where his ass SHOULD've been.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-06T12:57:54-06:00

ID

123140

Comment

next question. WHY is he being held without bond for those charges? Why has not a public defender or someone file a motion for a writ of habeas corpus? This has been known for several days. The law is pretty clear on this subject and he should be given bail.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-06T12:59:55-06:00

ID

123141

Comment

Hey y'all, bobnoxious, thanks for the link -- perfect! I know the city well enough that I can pretty much figure out where the boundaries are. Brian, I don't hang out in City Hall because I live in New Jersey! :-) At least for now.... Kingfish, next question. WHY is he being held without bond for those charges? Why has not a public defender or someone file a motion for a writ of habeas corpus? THANK YOU. I've been wondering this all along as well. It's been said all along that he's being held "without bond," and I'm thinking: How long can they do that?

Author

Tim Kynerd

Date

2006-09-06T13:07:32-06:00

ID

123142

Comment

For one brief shining moment Ben Allen and Mark McCreery had centerstage and could have grabbed the limelight. But........... Ben got angry and denied any responsibility for the Council needing to investigate (see Chimneyville's post above regarding Mississippi Municipal Law) or to check into the City's liability. McCreery's statement is clouded and misses the point of what most think Safe City Watch stands for. If this situation doesn't cry out for their watchdog group's investigation, what does? Rather than doubting the veracity of the neighbors and stating same, shouldn't this group want to reassure the public?

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-09-06T13:26:57-06:00

ID

123143

Comment

McCreery is obsessed with crime numbers to the exclusion of almost anything else. I will give him credit for calling out the police department during his crime summit speech. He said that JPD had spent $30 million on technology (he did not specify over what time period or how he came up with the number) and had a database of crime information that they share with absolutely no one for no discernable reason. He, like anyone else who tries to get any information from the police department, has run headon into that brick wall we call Sharon Gray, the head of JPD's records, who seems to have very strange ideas about the extent of her authority. She has rejected records requests from numerous sources on many differnet subjects without ever making reference to the public records law. "Get a sobpeona," she says time after time, even for matters like police procedures, which are indisputably public records. See Public Eye next week for more on this subject. McCreery has also criticized the Melton administration for not responding to public records requests. So on the public records front, his heart and head seem to be in the right place. However, he remains, as far as I can tell, a Melton loyalist, and his lack of judgment about this matter should give everyone pause.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-09-06T13:49:18-06:00

ID

123144

Comment

save the streets :)

Author

ANY-MEANS-NEC

Date

2006-09-06T14:28:19-06:00

ID

123145

Comment

according to the melton 2005 annual campaign report Amerimail Direct provided an in kind campaign contribrution of $988.02. mr. mccreery holds himself out as the owner of that company.on march 1 ,2005 mr mccreery personally donated $1000 to the melton campaign.macreey like so manyothers who campaigned for melton is reluctant to admit that he made a very bad investment. all the big money folks like mcreerywho bankrolled melton need to be assisted in an exit strategy from mayor nutso. as crazy as melton is this crowd still thinks they got "influence" at city hall and with him out they are out too.. so, we need to find these guys a way of still feeling like they are in charge by finding them a mayor they think they can influence but who would still be a leader the rest of us can tolerate and even embrace. is it les?is it marchand?of course they have dreams about mayor ben....but harvey remains absolutely unacceptable to this bunch-- because while mayor he absolutely refused to kiss their white patrician asses(unlike this sociopathic bullshit artist we now call mayor who would say about anything northeast jackson wanted to hear to get their money and votes.) get the mcreerys of the city to bail out and the melton plane may tailspin precipitously.remember this same crowd bankrolled mcmillan and when they move i bet he lumbers with them ---which might cause him to openly assist peterson in doing what needs to be done as fast as just can allow

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-09-06T14:32:23-06:00

ID

123146

Comment

It's truly amazing that everyone's talking but no one is taking action. This entire City sits tight and let the guy they voted Mayor do whatever he pleases. Will DEQ file charges? Probably Not/ Will Peterson file charges? Propably not / Will the owner of the duplex sue the mayor and the city? probably so. But truly here's a man totally out of control and it seems to A-O.K. with the City of Jackson. Blunston is a joke and should keep quiet...Tillman is asleep and should remain so....Allen is riding high and don't want to make waves....poor stokes, I hear the mayor has something on him that keeps him quiet. what's a city to do?

Author

notme

Date

2006-09-06T15:20:46-06:00

ID

123147

Comment

Notme. You don't know the half of it. I would think that JPS would be at least looking into why Frank picks up truant BOYS. I guess there aren't any truant GIRLS. And why isn't DHS looking into why all of those boys are staying at Frank's house? Where are their parents? Frank is probably violating a lot of laws, not just criminal and anyone that can do anything about it is just sitting back with their thumb stuck up you know where.

Author

Constituent

Date

2006-09-06T15:47:32-06:00

ID

123148

Comment

WHAT-EVER ONE THINGS FOR SURE I HAVEN'T HEARD MY 15 YR NIECE SAY THAT SOMEONE HAS APPROACHED HER TO BUY DRUGS ON HER WAY HOME FROM PROVINE THIS YEAR SO TO HELL WITH YOU ANTI MELTON HATERS SAVE THE STREETS THANK YOU FRANK GIVE HELL!

Author

ANY-MEANS-NEC

Date

2006-09-06T16:02:14-06:00

ID

123149

Comment

ANY-MEANS-NEC----WHAT????????

Author

maad

Date

2006-09-06T16:25:56-06:00

ID

123150

Comment

ANY-MEANS-NEC. No one has ever approached my child or friend's children trying to sell them drugs and this is way before Crazy Melton was put into office. You ought to be sure that the drugs that your niece was approached to buy didn't belong to Frank. Even if you loved Melton before, you have to be able to see that he's gone off the deep end. I would suppose the reason our children don't buy those drugs is because we've raised them right. I wouldn't give Frank the time of day, much less credit for getting drugs off the street. Everybody else's drugs off of the street, not his.

Author

Constituent

Date

2006-09-06T16:36:30-06:00

ID

123151

Comment

Anymeans, I suspect we're all against drug dealing and use just as you are. I know I am. I certainly abhor anyone offering drugs to children. Drugs have to be stopped by legal means otherwise the convictions, if any, likely won't withstand the appellate process. I bet you know this. Frank is only grandstanding. He's not running his behind up into any real hot dens of drug dealing. He's likely only picking on a helpless and sick individual in Evans. Frank could easily sway many opinions concerning himself by crashing in and arresting some of Jackson's real drug dealers. I bet he knows where many of them live and operate through his connections. He would have a better chance of succeding with stopping drug dealing if he left the conspicious mobile command at home and rolled up in something unnoticeable. However, we know it would take real guts to do this!

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-06T16:45:42-06:00

ID

123152

Comment

Well, if anyone who watched WAPT, WJTV or WLBT still thinks Melton tells the truth, then I've got some twin lakes I can sell ya! The Russian Deputy is not a deputy. He is a jailer and the Sheriff says he had NO BUSINESS on the MCC and he wasn't an undercover officer! The president of the neighborhood association cried when he talked about the injustice and being American. And, Melton will not give the names of the "guests" on the MCC because there were undercover officers with him. O RLY! The spaghetti is starting to stick

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-06T18:35:15-06:00

ID

123153

Comment

Here is the video from WAPT where the residents speak out from last night. I like the guy that says, "He's ly'in" about using a sledgehammer and tearing the house up. However, what is appalling is at the end when Melton jokes about cutting through the red tape with a bulldozer and a backhoe, while two other people off camera laugh, and the reporter asks, "a sledgehammer?" Was that WAPT camera men or associates of the Mayor? That's disgusting!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-06T19:03:11-06:00

ID

123154

Comment

The most disturbing quote in the article is from SafeCity's Mark McCreery: "It just sounds like the mayor needs to rethink his strategy. Getting himself in a position to be criticized is something that he needs to sit back and think about". It's a shocking statement coming from someone whose organization, Safe City, would partner with Jackson city government to bring about better law enforcement. McCreery spoke at the Mayor's Crime Summit--and yet he does not understand that a mayor who ravages private citizens is part of the crime problem? What could be more antipodal to a safe city? Allow me to teach safe city 101: Criminal destruction by a sitting mayor of a citizen's house is not a "strategy" anymore than rape or burglary are strategies. Each gets the criminal what he wants, but in a civilized society based on individual rights we do not permit it. We create a Constitution and laws specifically to ensure that those rights are protected from men who would take what they want by force. That dynamic of law as a shield between the individual and those who would harm him or her is the basic foundation of any civilized society. It is the essential premise that safe and free cities operate by law, not the terrible fiat of Power. McCreery, go to the back of the class.

Author

Brent Cox

Date

2006-09-06T20:01:04-06:00

ID

123155

Comment

I tend to agree, Brent. The office was in disbelief when Adam read us that quote the first time. I think it shows, more than anything, the institutional bias that people have toward certain neighborhoods. You KNOW that McCreery would be in an uproar if Mr. Melton followed home every young white man from North Jackson who went west to buy drugs and then sledgehammered their homes. This has been a political organization from the start, with very close ties to Mr. Melton, who says he used to chair it. (They had him listed as "honorary chairman" for a while.) Now they're saying that the city is PAYING that group to put together all these stats. We need to get to the bottom of that. Help us.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-06T20:10:28-06:00

ID

123156

Comment

Get thee back to thy troll-hole, Anymeans. Did anyone notice the embarrassing mistakes on WAPT's interview with McCreery this evening at six? There were two howlers. For one, they stated that SafeCity was "hired" by the city to help with crime numbers. If so, that is breaking news, but the likely explanation is sloppiness. There was a proposal to hire SafeCity, and promotional materials from SafeCity threw around an exorbitant number ($100,000 if I remember correctly) to perform the city, but they were never hired. Certainly, City Council never approved this. Second, and even MORE embarrassing, is that WAPT reported that McCreery (or SafeCity Watch) invented the broken windows theory. McCreery, for all his faults, does not make that claim. That was just a reporter taking crappy notes. Oh, my head spins.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-09-06T22:03:22-06:00

ID

123157

Comment

Here's WLBT's report about who was on the MCC. If this is the case, then he has really messed up. How many improprieties do we need before action needs to be taken. WLBT has also learned that Fredirca Jermaine Brunson, 22, and Michael Taylor, 16, may have also been on the mobile command center. Witnesses near the Ridgeway St. home and witnesses at the Upper Level Nightclub told WLBT they recognized the two men from recent news reports. These two were wanted for failing to appear in court on armed robbery charges. They were with Melton when they were arrested in late June. Brunson and Taylor are out of jail now. They are part of the crew Mayor Melton has hired to cut grass in various neighborhoods including the Wood St. Area. Late Wednesday, Mayor Melton told WLBT over the phone that he could not remember if Frederica Jermaine Brunson was present that night. Couldn't remember?!?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-07T00:30:08-06:00

ID

123158

Comment

Agreed, Brian. Those were ABSURD moments. It just shows that reporters go on the air with no institutional knowledge on vital issues -- and without doing their homework. Kind of like the Maxwell guy and his big super-predator column that you busted up last week. Interesting that no one ever gets around to discussing the problems with the Broken Windows theory, either, just like the little chickenhawks around town seem to have no knowledge that Rudy Giuliani's crime-righting approach was based on hardcore gun-control laws. They just throw around phrases out of convenience, but because they've actually done the homework. And SafeCity Watch has been guilty of that from the beginning. I love all the rhetoric of late that makes it sound like property crimes are somehow worse than the rise in violent crime on Mr. Melton's watch. Makes it sound suspiciouly like all they care about is guarding the property of rich folks, rather than look out for the safety of all Jacksonians. And if they care so much about "property crimes," what about the destructure of the property of Jennifer Sutton and Minnie Rhodes???

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-07T10:42:59-06:00

ID

123159

Comment

I'd heard that two kids, who had been arrested with Melton, were on the MCC. Good to see WLBT confirm it. I should pause here and say that, now that this story is out there, the local MSM are doing a pretty damn good job on it. They're all focused on ferreted out the whole story, and that's as it should be. Better late than never.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-07T10:44:14-06:00

ID

123160

Comment

Pikersam, When I saw Sheriff McMillan being interviewed on the news last night, and he revealed that Melton was telling a bald face lie about the Russian Deputy' on the command bus, I could hardly CONTAIN myself! Evidently, this "Russian Deputy" is actually a 22 year old that works as a jailer. (HA! That still makes me laugh out loud!) I thought it was also interesting that Sheriff Mac, who's being really tight lipped about his investigation so far, was quite adamant about who this supposed 'under cover cop' really is. Wonder if he finally heard one lie too many, and just couldn't contain himself?

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-07T14:23:39-06:00

ID

123161

Comment

There are two questions re: Evans Welch that have really been bugging me. One of the trivial charges against him is for a traffic violation. I was told by a member of my family...who knows Evans and Evans' father...that Evans doesn't own a car, and he was told by Mr. Welch that Evans hasn't had a driver's license for 8 or 9 years. ( I think probably due to his mental disability) I don't think Evans was driving the night he was visited by The Sledgehammer Gang. Seems to me, neighbors have reported that Evans was standing out in the front yard that night, watching helplessly, as his home was bashed in. Also, every time I've heard Evans' mother interviewed about phone calls to her from Evans, Evans ALWAYS refers to Melton as 'Mr. Frank' or 'Frank'. ie: (this isn't verbatim) 'Momma, Frank is tearing up the house. Call the rent lady.' and 'Momma, Mr. Frank hit me with a hammer'. I just have to wonder if Melton knows Evans. If so, in what capacity? I've heard rumors that Frank may have his own little drug cartel. Is it possible that Evans could have been involved somehow with the cartel, and he did something wrong that he was being punished for that night? No way to ask poor Evans since he was whisked away to jail and not allowed to see anyone from the outside...including his parents.

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-07T14:58:13-06:00

ID

123162

Comment

**JAR, you raise a good point...is FM involved in drugs? Are the boys his gang and the lawn business a front? He does seem to run around like he's some sort of small-city mob boss, brutalizing people who are competition or don't do what he wants. And why are all of these kids so willing to help him do his dirty work? It all seems mighty suspicious. This is totally just speculation, of course, but you never know...** <-- SAM601 This is sounding more plausible to me as time goes on and as Melton's antics seem to get progressively more savage and erratic. There's a reason why, as I've been told, that Melton literally BEGGED Gov. Musgrove to appoint him Director of MBN and, having gotten his wish, convictions plummeted demonstrably. Also, there's a reason why Melton's "kids" seem to all be continually in trouble with the law. And, think about this: why was it that Melton seemed to have 'inside' information about certain gang members and drug peddlers when he did his infamous weekly "The Bottom Line" telecasts? Why is it that a candidate whose entire campaign was based on eradicating crime has managed to preside over a dramatic increase in crime? Could it be that the Mayor's reinstatement of the three police officers who beat a handcuffed suspect was based on some sort of quid pro quo? Why is it that certain gang members are "guests" of the Mayor aboard the Mobile Command Center? Who? How? Why? What? When...will these questions be answered? When will this madness stop???

Author

Kacy

Date

2006-09-07T16:23:03-06:00

ID

123163

Comment

More intriguing law: SEC. 21-19-20. Proceedings to demolish abandoned houses or buildings used for sale or use of drugs. (1) A municipality shall institute proceedings to have abandoned houses or buildings that are used for the sale or use of drugs demolished. The local law enforcement authority of the municipality shall have documented proof of drug sales or use in the abandoned property before a municipality may initiate proceedings to have the property demolished. (2) The municipality shall file a petition to declare the abandoned property a public hazard and nuisance, and to have the property demolished with the circuit clerk of the county in which the property or some part of the property is located. All of the owners of the property involved, and any mortgagee, trustee, or other person having any interest in or lien on the property shall be made defendants to the proceedings. The circuit clerk shall present the petition to the circuit judge who, by written order directed to the circuit clerk, shall fix the time and place for the hearing of the matter in termtime or vacation. The time of the hearing shall be fixed on a date to allow sufficient time for each defendant named to be served with process, as otherwise provided by law, not less than thirty (30) days before the hearing. If a defendant or other party in interest is not served for the specified time before the date fixed, the hearing shall be continued to a day certain to allow the thirty-day period specified. (3) Any cost incurred by a municipality for demolishing abandoned property shall be paid by the owners of the property. SOURCES: Laws, 1995, ch. 343, Sec. 1, eff from and after July 1, 1995

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-07T20:44:45-06:00

ID

123164

Comment

If the newspapers and/or the TV Stations would go back in their archives for photographs/videos of National Night Out For Crime, in early August, I think, they will have data showing who was riding on the Mobile Command Unit with Melton, his body guards, and S. P. Weaver. The Russian 'Deputy' was wearing light colored pants and strange cowboy boots and had sort of a long-buzz hair cut; could not speak to what his race might be. The others were all African American boys of various ages from very young to perhaps 20. They were introduced at our stop by the Mayor.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-09-09T08:13:30-06:00

ID

123165

Comment

Interesting that no one ever gets around to discussing the problems with the Broken Windows theory, either, just like the little chickenhawks around town seem to have no knowledge that Rudy Giuliani's crime-righting approach was based on hardcore gun-control laws. Pardon me for quoting myself from above -- grin -- but I just read Wyatt Emmerich's publisher's note in the latest Northside Sun, and he makes exactly this mistake. Do all these boys who like to throw Rudy's name around ever do any homework about what his crime plan actually entailed!?! Or, does every crime discussion always have to be about meaningless sound bites? Lawdy Lawd.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-11T19:30:49-06:00

ID

123166

Comment

Bummer dude... bummer... Melton's Wood Street Lawn & Cleanup Service employee arrested! A member of a lawn service that Jackson Mayor Frank Melton helped to organize was jailed today without bond at the Hinds County Detention Center. Fredrica Jermaine Brunson, 22, was arrested on a charge of possession of a stolen automobile and contempt of court, Hinds County sheriff’s officials said. The Dude abides...

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-18T15:10:20-06:00