Jackson Free Press

BREAKING: District Attorney Faye Peterson tells the Jackson Free Press that the county's investigation of Mayor Frank Melton's alleged rampage the evening of Aug. 26 and the morning of Aug. 27 has been concluded. "We will review the information the sheriff has submitted and present it to the first available grand jury," she said Thursday. When asked when that would be, she said, "The next one that's officially scheduled is the second week in October." Could a special grand jury be convened sooner in the case? "It's always possible," she answered.

Peterson said that rumors that Melton may resign, or make a deal to resign, is not something she is involved with. "My obligation in this was to do what I'm supposed to do as district attorney. Whether he resigns at this point—that's not what my office is doing. That's a political issue, and I avoid that. I asked the sheriff to investigate it, they've done that, we're going to present the case to a grand jury."

Sheriff Malcolm McMillin also confirmed to media today that the investigation is concluded and that evidence of felonies are headed to a grand jury. Attorney General Jim Hood's office has made no official comment. Melton called and then canceled a press conference for 3 p.m. this afternoon.

Previous Commentsshow

THE SECOND WEEK IN OCTOBER????? Criminy. "I will gladly indict you Tuesday [or four Tuesdays from now] for an alleged felony today [or several weeks ago]."

Scott Albert Johnson

Sep 14 2006

Good. Makes me wanna shout. Looks like we're well on our way of sending the sorry crime dog on his way. I wish he would ignore his lawyer's advice like he did Hood and Peterson and talk anyway. I don't want Welch to talk but I'm all for Frank doing it. Come on Frank, show you're carrying a pair!

Ray Carter

Sep 14 2006

I hope the long arm of the law is long enough to stop Frank from allegedly mentoring boys too. Two places I wouldn't send my children: Neverland and Frank's place. Living in either place soons leads to litigation.

Ray Carter

Sep 14 2006

Isn't the judge in Lauderdale county supposed to rule on Melton's MBN case in October as well? If so, Melton's going to have a busy "all hallowed eve's" month. This would be quite fitting for the man who's brought nothing but nightmares and terror to many innocent Jacksonians. The grand jury trial can't come soon enough.

Joerob

Sep 14 2006

The grand jury is not a petit or trial jury. It a one-sided affair where the prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury that a person likely committed a crime and the grand jury issues a no bill (no indictment) or a true bill (indictment). It's rare that an indictment is not returned here because Frank and his lawyers don't get to participate in this matter. It's also done in secret usually. Following indictment Frank would have to be arraigned where he pleads not guilty and the matter will be set for trial. He could later plead guilty if he chose to do so. A quicker way to handle the matter if Frank wanted to plead guilty and get it over with would be for him to plead to an information and avoid much of the other process. Don't look for Frank to plead without a fight since he's rich. He can't hire Dennis Sweet because of a conflict, but expect him to hire some big guns.

Ray Carter

Sep 14 2006

A conflict, indeed. ;-) Thanks for the primer, Ray.

DonnaLadd

Sep 14 2006

Hello Mr. Kirksey

Kingfish

Sep 14 2006

Ray, I wonder if the MMC has an adult alarm?

Kingfish

Sep 14 2006

Come on Frank, show you're carrying a pair! A pair of what? Brain cells?

Tim Kynerd

Sep 14 2006

Scott, what she actually said was: the second week in October or maybe sooner.

DonnaLadd

Sep 14 2006

From the Ledger: "Earlier today, Jackson City Council President Ben Allen said that he no longer supports a Council-led investigation into alleged actions by Mayor Frank Melton". Surprise...

Brent Cox

Sep 14 2006

Not really. I think that's why the county announced that their investigation was closed today—to let Council off the hook. Then Ben jumped on it awful quick, eh? I don't understand why he didn't just wait and talk about it at the special meeting tomorrow, so it doesn't sound like he doesn't want to move forward with the investigation. That was a more politic way to handle this, as far as the public is concerned.

DonnaLadd

Sep 14 2006

I keep wondering what Ben's up to. First it sounded for all the world like he didn't want to be bothered with another Frank mess, then when sentiment starting saying nasty things about him, he changed his mind. Now he's back to Square one? Oh, and I'm not putting money on anything being done. Too many people don't want to go down this road. It seems Sherrif Mac and Hood would rather Jackson suffer.

Ironghost

Sep 14 2006

If you watched WAPT at 6, I don't see how Melton and the "ites" can continue to hang Jackson out to dry over being wrong. Over not being able to stand up and say, "hey we made a mistake." First WAPT talked about the case with McM., then went to Peterson who said the findings compell her to take them to a Grand Jury. They talked about the Sweet lawsuit and gave quotes. Then they confirmed that the FBI is investigating Melton.... Pause.... "Also, the Mayor was deposed yesterday in his civil suit..." Mentioned he lied, etc... I had to laugh. Just when you think the first 7 minutes were enough, we have an "oh yeah" moment about other crap he's pulled! Classic!

pikersam

Sep 14 2006

I'm more concerned about Hood than I am about Ben, to be honest. Ben was at least willing to support an investigation as a plan B if the primary law enforcement venue was unable to wrap up its work in time. This is not to say that I don't think the City Council is an investigative body--if it has that power, then it is, period. "Institutional memory" and "unwritten policy" are both worthless concepts that invite abuse. If Ben believes that the City Council should not do investigations, then he should work to strip the City Council of that power--but until he's successful in doing that, it's an investigative body as a matter of law. But all that said, I give Ben props for stating conditional willingness to let the City Council investigate and stepping away from the "never" language, all of which sends the very clear message that he is at least willing to get the Council involved if the alternative is inaction. Certainly it is not the usual business of City Council to conduct investigatons, and if it's work that can be done and that Ben would rather see done by the DA or AG, that's fine with me--as long as it gets done, gets done well, and gets done soon. The person I want to see make the next step more than anyone else, though, is Frank Melton. I want him to resign. Now. I don't want to see him punished, necessarily, though I don't think he deserves to be treated with any more deference than any other citizen--but he needs to be out of office. He is a very real danger to the city. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Sep 14 2006

After listening to Sheriff McMillan's news conference, he all but said that he COULD HAVE charged Melton with a crime, and that he would have been within his legal right to do so, however due to the political ramifications of the case, he thought that the appropriate avenue would be to send the case to the grand jury. In other words, he could have placed Melton under arrest. The mayor dodged an embarassing moment of being arrested, placed in handcuffs, booked for charges and getting his mug shots. Now THAT would have been headline news nationwide. Melton really owes McMillan one.

Joerob

Sep 14 2006

I'm afraid Melton owes McMillin more than one. The bit with McMillin publicly offering to hire the officers who had beaten Michael Black, in an obvious gesture of political support, told me that they're two peas in a pod in many ways. I'm very disappointed in our sheriff right now. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Sep 14 2006

Tom, perhaps my memory is wrong, but I though only 3 of the 5 JPD officers suspended were actually involved in taking punches at Black. I always assumed the Sheriff was offering the other 2 jobs.

ChrisCavanaugh

Sep 14 2006

Tom, I too, want to see FM make the next step...even if not to resign. I'd love to see him hold a press conference! Come ON Cujo, what do you have to say?? I really want to hear.

JAR

Sep 14 2006

I can't agree, though, with not wanting to see Melton punished. If Evans Welch had committed the crimes that Melton is accused of, he would most definitely be punished. And, you can bet that a coalition of ministers wouldn't be gathering outside City Hall to say that Evans is only human and should be given a 2nd chance. What's the difference between these 2 men? Hmmmmm....MONEY!?!

JAR

Sep 14 2006

I believe Polk is the pastor of the church Melton claims to be a member of. Remember, the one he couldn't remember the name of during the debate at Murrah, pre-election?

ChrisCavanaugh

Sep 14 2006

**I believe Polk is the pastor of the church Melton claims to be a member of. Remember, the one he couldn't remember the name of during the debate at Murrah, pre-election?** <-- ChrisCavanaugh You're right, Chris. When they asked Frank which church he attended, he said, "St. Lutheran". Polk is pastor of St. Luther Church in West Jackson. That he lied about where he worshiped God should have been a loud and clear signal to his supporters.

Kacy

Sep 14 2006

JAR, what I said was: I don't want to see him punished, necessarily, though I don't think he deserves to be treated with any more deference than any other citizen... Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Sep 14 2006

You're absolutely right, Tom. I stand corrected. Something from the CL blog: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Why is it that no one has mentioned the interview with Evers regarding pending charges and possible trial of Frank. Not his exact quote, but he basically said "Frank is so well liked, there is no way a jury of twelve Hinds County residents would ever find him guilty, no matter what he has done". Does this defense sound incredibly familiar? Wasn't it used by the defense team for Byron de la Beckwith, who killed Evers' brother??????????? Funny how, when it comes to what you want, you are willing to be blind to the truth, and the law, but when it directly affects your family, you call it racism. Humm, just something to think about. " I guess it's time to sit back and wait...but, I hope the 'sit back' is very short lived...I feel sure it will be.

JAR

Sep 14 2006

JAR, I am praying hard for a Melton resignation. The city needs it. I have immense respect for Charles Evers and don't feel comfortable saying anything negative about him right now, but I have no idea where the hell he's coming from on the Melton resignation thing. I would be lying if I said this had no effect on my opinion of the man. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Sep 15 2006

JFP did it again. Beating the MSM by getting the story from Faye Peterson. They all saw it on your website, than ran right out to interview Malcolm McMillin........ it's so obvious! oh, wait a minute......

copper thief

Sep 15 2006

can we move this guy to the troll blog yet? Dude, no one said this was an exclusive. Can you read, or what?

kate

Sep 15 2006

And, you can bet that a coalition of ministers wouldn't be gathering outside City Hall to say that Evans is only human and should be given a 2nd chance. I was thinking of the exact same thing when I saw this on 16 last night. Sure, people make mistakes, even to the point in which the legal system has to get involved. At the same time, people do have to pay for their mistakes. As mayor, Frank has to be held to a higher standard. He knows better than to alledgedly take a sledgehammer to a home and possibly used young people to help him do it, among other things.

golden eagle '97

Sep 15 2006

JAR, I like your comment about Evers and Melton versus Beckwith and Medgar. I wish someone had said that to Charles earlier. He neds to think about that. He was a victim of a corrupt system that wouldn't do justice for his family for decades. Now, I understand his point of view as far as the possibility of a hung jury; however, he should not be openly advocating or advertising that the system not work as it is intended or supposed to for Melton. He know Melton has messed up. And he should not be trying to taint the jury pool like Barnett and others did. In my opinion, you can't know Charles Evers well or for long time and not have some problems with him. I want Melton to resign too. Even if indicted and convicted, he won't be sentenced to prison in state court. He will likely get probation or some suspended sentence. He better hope the federal government doesn't prosecute and convict him. Jail could be a different story here because of federal guidelines and less discretion in the hands of judges.

Ray Carter

Sep 15 2006

Well it appears that the nest step in the "Save Melton" campaign is to make him out to be a real-life David Gale from the movie "The Life of David Gale" for crime in Jackson. As if, Frank is exposing the soft underbelly of a broken system in Hinds. O RLY?!? What is that saying about false idols….? Safecity is pointing out that the average Grand Jury turn around time is 6 months and even longer for convictions of everyday crimes. That may be. However, as Councilman Allen said earlier, the Melton case was a special situation that will require special treatment. Sheriff McMillan even took exception for Melton by just passing the investigation to the DA when he could have taken action himself. Can you say hand-cuffs?!? Also, Safecity likes to pick on the charge of Malicious Mischief as some kind of minor infraction. The name may not be scary; but, if you read the MS Code for Malicious Mischief you find it has some teeth (a felony is a felony): SEC. 97-17-67. Malicious mischief. (1) Every person who shall maliciously or mischievously destroy, disfigure, or injure, or cause to be destroyed, disfigured, or injured, any property of another, either real or personal, shall be guilty of malicious mischief. (2) If the value of the property destroyed, disfigured or injured is Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or less, it shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment not exceeding twelve (12) months in the county jail, or both. (3) If the value of the property destroyed, disfigured or injured is in excess of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), it shall be a felony punishable by a fine not exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or imprisonment in the Penitentiary not exceeding five (5) years, or both. (4) In all cases restitution to the victim for all damages shall be ordered. The value of property destroyed, disfigured or injured by the same party as part of a common crime against multiple victims may be aggregated together and if the value exceeds One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), shall be a felony. (5) For purposes of this statute, value shall be the cost of repair or replacement of the property damaged or destroyed. (6) Anyone who by any word, deed or act directly or indirectly urges, aids, abets, suggests or otherwise instills in the mind of another the will to so act shall be considered a principal in the commission of said crime and shall be punished in the same manner. SOURCES: Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch. 64, art. 7(2); 1857, ch. 64, art. 202; 1871, Sec. 2709; 1880, Sec. 2919; 1892, Sec. 1209; 1906, Sec. 1287; Hemingway's 1917, Sec. 1019; 1930, Sec. 1049; 1942, Sec. 2281; Laws, 1962, ch. 319; 1968, ch. 357, Sec. 1; Laws, 2003, ch. 434, § 1, HB 1105, eff from and after July 1, 2003. PREVIOUS VERSIONS: Pre-2003 Can it be stronger? Sure. It probably needs some tweaking to increase the penalty for more expensive damage. Like destroying a house for instance! Don't be fooled by the propaganda of the Meltonites.

pikersam

Sep 15 2006

Now, I understand his point of view as far as the possibility of a hung jury; however, he should not be openly advocating or advertising that the system not work as it is intended or supposed to for Melton. He know Melton has messed up. And he should not be trying to taint the jury pool like Barnett and others did. I agree with you, but I think that getting an impartial jury will still be a major challenge. The issue of Melton's leadership has deeply divided and polarized the citizens here. A good indicator of that is the unscientific opinion polls the TV stations have been putting on their Web sites. Lately, there has hardly been a time where the poll results have not been almost 50/50 when the polls give two choices. Even the feedback lines seems to be half and half. Then again, there are plenty of folks who don't agree with what has been going on but choose to keep silent to avoid conflicts with their peers. Who know? This will be interesting...

LatashaWillis

Sep 15 2006

He better hope the federal government doesn't prosecute and convict him. Jail could be a different story here because of federal guidelines and less discretion in the hands of judges. Ray No doubt Ray! Of course, Frank may like a stint in a Federal PMITA prison. 8-p

pikersam

Sep 15 2006

I also don't know where Evers is coming from. For years now, even before FM became mayor, Evers has "dogged" FM out on the radio weekly about his "relationship" with those boys who live with him. The accusations (I say this losely) were flying all over the radio. I hope Evers is not falling into the same category as Kenny, Tillman and Bluntson as someone "bought " off. It does make you want to say Ummmmmm??

maad

Sep 15 2006

I agree with you, but I think that getting an impartial jury will still be a major challenge. The issue of Melton's leadership has deeply divided and polarized the citizens here. A good indicator of that is the unscientific opinion polls the TV stations have been putting on their Web sites. Lately, there has hardly been a time where the poll results have not been almost 50/50 when the polls give two choices. Even the feedback lines seems to be half and half. I don't take any stock into unscientific polls.

golden eagle '97

Sep 15 2006

You will see more game playing (we call it good lawyering) by lawyers than you ever thought was imaginable. It will be interesting to see what the public call it. The Dream Team team did some good lawyering. Most blacks loved it, and most whites hated it. You will see Melton lawyers and supporters trying to select Melton-lovers as jurors and trying to taint the jury pool all they can. It has already started. You will see the DA likely trying to do all they can to get law and order and hate Melton type jurors. We say we want a fair juror but what we really want is one who truly favors our side. Ed Peters is a good choice for Melton. This case could relieve/release all doubt about Faye Peterson's ability as a prosecutor. I would love to see her kick Melton's and her old boss' behind.

Ray Carter

Sep 15 2006

You know, I was reading an article today about Bush's defense of his tactics at Guantanamo (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060915/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush) and I got to thinking--it seems our national government is confronting the same issue as our local one. How do you stop crime or stop terrorism without derailing fundamental liberties? It seems Bush is eager to jump ahead, so intense on the ends justifying the means.

Izzy

Sep 15 2006

JAR, please read justjess on Sept. 14, 2006 @11:04am "SHERIFF TO RETURN EVAN WELCH TO JAIL." I spoke to the issue you made comment about on that particular article. Also, during the Johnson/Melton debate a Murrah, Melton said that he was a member of MOUNT SAINT LUTHERAN. (It doesn't exist) JOHNSON made query of his response but quickly moved on and said that the man's religion and where he serves are between him (FM) and HIS God. Polk is still another "strange bedfellow." A minister told me that he along with some other ministers who previously supported Johnson were promised $40,000 for their Church if they would support Melton. I think this promise went into FILE XIII along with the "State-of-the-art Recording Studio."

justjess

Sep 15 2006

I don't take any stock into unscientific polls. Yeah, I gotcha. Maybe "good indicator" was a poor choice of words, but there aren't too many indicators to go by. It's easier to hide behind a Web poll since your selection is anonymous, so that's why I thought about it. And yet, because of that, folks could vote 100 times from the same computer. I wish the Webmasters would have a cookie put on the PCs of the voters so they can't vote multiple times. Many Web sites have that capability.

LatashaWillis

Sep 15 2006

I hope Evers is not falling into the same category as Kenny, Tillman and Bluntson as someone "bought " off. It does make you want to say Ummmmmm?? Again, I love Mr. Evers. But if there is anything becoming clear in all this to me, it is how badly the old guard, black and white, in this city needs to step aside. We need young, fresh, energetic blood without all these old agendas of the past.

DonnaLadd

Sep 15 2006

WJTV is saying Peterson is saying Melton is already indicted.

Ray Carter

Sep 15 2006

Ray, justjess and all...re: that CL blog message about Charles Evers that I posted on this thread 9-14 at 11 PM...I didn't write it, unfortunately. I just found it and did a cut and paste. I just went back to their site to see who should really should get the credit, but couldn't find it, in a quick scroll through. But, I did think it was brilliant! I also remembered your similar reference earlier, justjess. Sometimes irony just hurts.

JAR

Sep 15 2006