Jackson Free Press

In a press conference this afternoon, Attorney General Jim Hood confirmed that his office will offer a plea bargain to Frank Melton, telling reporters that it is the policy of his office to always offer people under indictment an opportunity to plead guilty to the crime, sometimes to a lesser charge. Hood did not specifically say he would require Melton to plead guilty to a felony, but he did say that Melton would have to resign as mayor in order to reach a plea agreement.

"Absolutely," said Hood, "I would like to see him do that and resolve these things for the people of the capital city."

Hood confirmed that his office, the Hinds County D.A.'s office and the Hinds County Sheriff's department worked together on the case, based on evidence provided to them by citizens. Hood confirmed that numerous witnesses received polygraph tests during the course of the interviews that lead to charges against the mayor and his JPD bodyguards.

Hood was asked if he would require that Melton serve time in prison. He declined to say whether Melton would be required to serve prison time under a plea offer, but that if the case goes to trial, his office always seeks a conviction that includes time served in the penitentiary.

The charge that carries the most potential prison time is house burglary, which can carry up to 25 years. The charge of Directing or Causing a Minor to Commit a Felony can carry a prison sentence up to 20 years. D.A. Faye Peterson said Melton, given all the charges today, is facing a potential prison sentence of over 50 years.

Hood emphasized that the reason the case went to a special grand jury today is because he really wants this case resolved quickly for both the city and Melton, who, Hood said, "is not in the best of health." When pressed, Hood declined to elaborate, instead telling reporters to talk to the mayor.

Update: Dale Danks, Mayor Melton's attorney, has reportedly called a press conference for 4 p.m. today. Stay tuned...

Previous Commentsshow

"Mousetrap!"

pikersam

Sep 15 2006

Sung to the tune of "Buford Stick" by the Drive-By Truckers Now Frank Melton's gotten too big for his britches With his mobile unit and body guards Down at Peach's making public appearances and breaking up our homes and crack deals Ask him for a warrant, he'll say "I keep it in my shoe" That son of a bitch has got to go That son of a bitch has got to go Now they lined up around the block to see the indictments And wondering about his incognito wife Marveling about about eight kids at his house Like Michael he can't take a hint They say he didn't take no crap from the Wood Street Playas What the hell they talking bout? I'm just a hard rapper with a family to feed And he made my momma cry Said he made my momma cry "Watch out for Melton!" is what they keep on telling me But to me he's just another crazy lawman up in Mississippi He gets a new hot mobile command to keep us on our toes And that ridiculous cowboy hat where the press corp. goes And some big time attorney representing him and talking on the TV screen "Watch out for Melton! He's shutting down our crack deals and whores" But it ain't like he's all that different from what was there before It wouldn't take my fellow men on the grand jury long Just a well written indictment returned And I wouldn't have to worry about the good Melton anymore Now the press conference got'em lined up for twenty blocks But ain't nowehre to park But the ruckus he began keeps a spreadin' like a wildfire Not sure if any houses are gonna survive But he's holde up at hishouse with Reico and pals The Lord works in mysterious ways They'll probably make movie, glorifying what he done But I'll never have to hear them say I'll never have to hear them say Watch out for Melton

Buford Pusser

Sep 15 2006

The C-L already has an article online about this, along with a PDF of the indictment. I'm glad to see that they moved so quickly. http://clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060915/NEWS/60915017

LatashaWillis

Sep 15 2006

Oh yeah, a quote from that article: City spokesman Cmdr. Tyrone Lewis said Recio and Wright have not been placed on leave. You think they'll have desk duty or something? They can't carry firearms, so I can't see them on patrol or anything like that.

LatashaWillis

Sep 15 2006

Good Mr. Pusser.

Ray Carter

Sep 15 2006

all you people are full of of it always passing judgement while you sit back and watch jackson fall apart

Texan

Sep 15 2006

Texan, I've been watching Jackson fall apart since July. I have no ill will towards Melton, and I think this is more sad than anything else, but our city is hurting and he needs to leave office. Peace, TH

Tom Head

Sep 15 2006

No, the grand jury passed judgement today on indisputable evidence. We are just the people, clammering for a great seat at the theater to watch Melton do his Nixon-esqe farewell.

E

Sep 15 2006

Hey Texan, maybe Melton will be coming to a neighborhood near you soon.

Buford Pusser

Sep 15 2006

All, I'm just back from all day downtown at press conferences. Looks like the fort was held down just fine in my absence. I'm too exhausted to say much, but thank you all for your comments, support, research assistance, everything. This story isn't over, but I am very proud of Jackson and Mississippi today. People are standing for justice in ways we haven't always seen. A new day has come. I saw Kim Wade downtown, and he asked me to join him on his show today at 5 p.m. How could I resist? So please tune, or call in. Can't wait to catch up on all the comments. Cheers.

DonnaLadd

Sep 15 2006

Also, Adam is covering Danks and just called in saying that Danks declared that Melton would fight to the end and that these indictments by the D.A., sheriff and AG are a "political hit." Victims to the end, I 'spose. He'll be in shortly with a longer report.

DonnaLadd

Sep 15 2006

all you people are full of of it always passing judgement while you sit back and watch jackson fall apart As a Christian, I don't know who you are, but I still love you.

LatashaWillis

Sep 15 2006

All, I'm just back from all day downtown at press conferences. Donna, make sure you eat something. Don't want you to collapse because I'm sure you've been running on empty all day.

LatashaWillis

Sep 15 2006

Yo Texas, you can have him back! Ladd, good work! Did the Danks presser get called off? WAPT started to cut into a news cast then went back to regular programming. Any scoop?

pikersam

Sep 15 2006

Yea, being indicted for carrying guns into schools, churches and public parks is a political hit. Wow. Is that going to be their defense? They should sell tickets to this trial, its going to be hilarious.

E

Sep 15 2006

L.W., I must admit that Brian and I ran to the bar at Hal & Mal's where I ate an onion-ring po-boy and had a (just one) margarita as I called the AG story into Todd. Figured that would get me ready for Kim! ;-) My recommendation, all, is to go easy on Texan. Please, just trust me on that, and don't rip him a new one. It's important to remember that this day is very hard on some people, and let's give them room for that.

DonnaLadd

Sep 15 2006

If Frank's going to fight to the end, then, I hope the feds indict his hardheaded and crazy ass too.

Ray Carter

Sep 15 2006

For any morons who still think Melton is fighting crime, then, you should note that crime must be BEATING the hell out of a bowed, vertigoed and downed fighter. Others of us are tired of seeing the one-sided punishment. His supporters must be waiting on crime to kill Frank before throwing in the towel.

Ray Carter

Sep 15 2006

They need to stipulate a psychiatric evaluation as part of the deal.

Michele

Sep 15 2006

I want to see MUG SHOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

guywithanidea

Sep 15 2006

Donna, I caught part of the Kim Wade show tonight. Girl, you were Fab! Have you ever considered doing your own radio show? You actually sounded a little like Laura Ingraham. Don't do it if means leaving JFP, though. I'm so impressed with you and the JFP staff, I just can't tell you. I agree with you about Texan... As my Mama would say, 'Texan darlin, bless your heart .'

JAR

Sep 15 2006

Thanks, JAR. I used to do radio in a past life, and a number of folks have talked to us about having a show here. Honestly, we just haven't had time to do it, yet. We will at some point. But the paper is the priority at the moment. Of course, with my ace staff, which includes new managing editor Brian Johnson increasingly running the ship, the schedule should open up at some point. ;-) We'll be putting a digital file up of Wade show on Monday for those who missed it, BTW.

DonnaLadd

Sep 15 2006

Can I add how sad I think it is that Mr. Melton would put a city that he says he loves through a nasty trial with folks like Dale Danks lobbing ridiculous missiles. Where does personal responsibility enter into the picture? ARe they just going to spend the next three years trying to trash the character of the people who are doing their jobs in this? If so, they are going to be the ones hurt by such a trash campaign. They'll see. He has a chance to plead, as soon as next week. He should fire Danks, take a plea, step down, get whatever medical and psychological help he might need, go to Texas and spend quality time with his biological family and start rebuilding his life. I don't think Melton himself can take two or three years of Danksian drama. I do feel for him, despite all of this, just as I do for other accused criminals.

DonnaLadd

Sep 15 2006

Wow! At least we now know that Faye Peterson is capable of getting an indictment. Maybe this will be the start of something good.

realtime

Sep 15 2006

Also....you guys have good people waiting in the wings to take the wheel and get the ship of city government back in the channel....you in de shoals now.....

ATLExile

Sep 16 2006

I seriously doubt that Hood can legally asked Melton to step down. Wouldn't this override the will of the people who elected him? After all, the charges against are not related to the fact he is the mayor. Presumabily anyone who carried a firearm into certain places or illegally torn down a house or assulted someone could be charged with the crimes whether they are a Mayor or not.

realtime

Sep 16 2006

He must be able to since he is realtime! Look, the AG, the DA and the Sheriff wouldn't waste their time pushing a case that wasn't in the bag. Not over a mayor with a napoleon complex. Melton is facing jail time in a PMITA prison. What part of that Danks, Weaver, Peters and Melton don't get is beyond me? And there is more to come! I don't think he will be able to hire the FBI investigator this time to save his butt! How would the sheriff's investigation know that one bodyguard actually committed house burglary and the other just conspired to commit house burglary if they didn't have strong (video phone?) evidence. Melton is in it up to his eye balls! But, being the benevolent and graceful man that he and his "clique" are, they would rather screw Jackson up further to insure their few buddies get whatever kickback or favors he promised when elected.

pikersam

Sep 16 2006

"Melton is facing jail time in a PMITA prison. " I have a client in there right now. He says the trick is: kick someone's ass the first day, or become someone's bitch.

millhouse

Sep 16 2006

Millhouse I just shot coke all over my keyboard! LOL!

pikersam

Sep 16 2006

Texan, I've been watching it slide into the pit for over a decade or so. No one is interested in seeing it grow again. They're all eager to run it to their benefit. Your Bud, Frankie Boy, isn't the first to contribute to it's ruin.

Ironghost

Sep 16 2006

I have a client in there right now. He says the trick is: kick someone's a** the first day, or become someone's b****. -millhouse Well, he may as well buy a couple of dresses and take with him because as little and scrawny as Melton is, I don't see him kicking anyone's a$$.

lance

Sep 16 2006

We can thank Melton and his "clique" for making Jackson look backwards ass across the country! What's that about perception!?!

pikersam

Sep 16 2006

This is from Badcops.com. (4th story down) Badcops... Melton certainly belongs on any list that includes Badcops!

pikersam

Sep 16 2006

NY Times! Nice. Pat yourself on the back Melton. /may need to register to read//

pikersam

Sep 16 2006

If you look at old publicity photos of the Mayor and compare it to that photo in the NYTimes.com article, you can tell that something's not right. The difference is more than just aging.

LatashaWillis

Sep 16 2006

**If you look at old publicity photos of the Mayor and compare it to that photo in the NYTimes.com article, you can tell that something's not right. The difference is more than just aging.** <--L.W. You're right, L. W. If it is aging, it must be some form of progeria! I was perplexed by AG Hood's press conference comment yesterday that (I'm paraphrasing now) "it would be better for Melton to resign given his health". But then I thought, knowing Melton's propensity to exaggerate and flat out lie, he might have told Hood that he had some kind of malady in order to exact sympathy, leniency, or mercy. After 14 months of this madness, nothing Melton says or does surprises me anymore! But, I agree that it appears to be something other than the normal aging process. If so, I wonder why he didn't call Channel 3 to blurb it out to the public himself.

Kacy

Sep 16 2006

Pikersam:Yo Texas, you can have him back! Philip: :P Uh, Piker, I'm living in Texas now - and I certainly do NOT want him back here!! (grins). I'm sure other some-time past central MS people living in this state don't want him nearby either!! Proposal: Let's agree to send him to a small uninhabited island under U.S.A sovereignty. We would supply him with realistic amounts and quality of food and water, plus give him realistic health care. But let's not let him anywhere else in the WORLD, puleeezeee!!!

Philip

2006-09-17T01:48:26-06:00

ID

123734

Comment

If this story doesn't make scream that the Ledge failed us during the election, then you must be a Meltonite! First is this glaring lie! His mood swings have prompted an accusation that alcohol might be a factor in his behavior. Some witnesses to his alleged participation in the partial destruction of a Virden Addition duplex said they smelled alcohol on Melton that night. "Absolutely not," Melton said when asked about the accusation. He said he takes blood-pressure medicine that prohibits him from drinking alcohol. "Hell, I'd be dead if that was the case," he said. Like there isn't a liquor store around the corner that doesn't know him by name. Any reporter is welcome to go ask! Kim Wade saw him drinking at his house prior to the election. Come on Ledge don't put this in the story if you aren't going to look into it! This BS has got to stop. Then there is this drivel from Danks: Dale Danks Jr., former Jackson mayor and Melton's personal attorney, said last week that his client's problems as mayor are "indicative of the job." Explained Danks: "You have so many people offering you advice - friends, people who were part of your campaign. He's hearing how to do his job from everybody, and you have to be able to sift through it all and do what you feel is right as an individual." "As sensitive as Frank is, he simply doesn't want to hurt anybody's feelings - if that makes sense." His problems are indicative of the job? So other mayors go around in their MCC with young boys and slam sledgehammers into occupied houses even though no drugs were present? I guess Melton wasn't hurting anyone feelings when he said he doesn't give a sh!t what the people think or that he didn't have time to write 15 pages of garbage to make a plan. Didn't hurt the feelings of the lady that owned the duplex he smashed up?!? What is really sad is some people will wake up this morning and read this article and believe this crap! And, any man that can be loaned $1 million dollars to buy a TV station is not poor! Melton modeled himself after his mentor, Buford, who loaned him $1 million to use as a down payment on WLBT and later loaned him millions more to buy the station. But what really makes me mad about this article is that it tells a different story of Melton's past then the Clarion Ledger told before the election. Before the election the MSM let Melton say he came to Jackson broke. No mention of the loans or the connections to big money in TX. Not one quote from the book, "Halftime" as they have today. Pretty bad!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-17T09:37:10-06:00

ID

123735

Comment

And this little tidbit should make your blood just boil: Although Melton and his wife, Ellen, a pediatrician in Tyler, Texas, have two college-age children, Melton has spent much of his life rescuing and raising troubled youths. "It's the only thing I do well," Melton said recently. He would sometimes bring those youths to work with him at WLBT, Modisett said. "They were too young for prison and too bad for detention hall. Frank gave them tough love and structure." Sometimes, the youths would act out, stealing money from women's purses, Modisett said. Another time, a police scanner blared that a robbery had been committed by a suspect driving a white Chevrolet with the WLBT insignia. "I said, 'This is out of control,' " Modisett said. For every youth the mayor rescued, there have been others who didn't make it. Modisett estimates Melton saved perhaps one out of 10: "He'd say, 'It's worth the one who makes it.' " Before the indictments, Melton was raising a dozen youths he calls "sons." So WLBT or the Clarion Ledger didn't think we should know Melton's "kids" were apt to steal even after they came under his wing? Holy mother of god, the kid used a WLBT car to steal a purse and the station doesn't think this is news worthy or relevant to his character when it comes to being Mayor? You guy sux at the Ledge and WLBT!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-17T09:39:12-06:00

ID

123736

Comment

Yeah, to be honest it seems almost like the media has trapped Melton by going out of their way to get him elected by not telling us this sort of thing before the election, then making it part of the general case against him later so we all look like idiots for voting him in. If they were trying to do permanent damage to the city of Jackson, they couldn't have done a better job. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-17T09:42:20-06:00

ID

123737

Comment

And by "the media" I mean the MSM. The JFP was too busy being the "bad guys" by pointing all this information out at a time when it, you know, could have been used in a way that could have saved everybody involved a lot of pain. Melton had no business being mayor. The JFP knew this. Certain people in the MSM, who did the Melton hagiographies, must have also known this. Now the poor man has been put in a situation where he was way over his head, he'll probably wind up resigning in disgrace and/or spending the rest of his most productive years in jail, and everyone involved could have been spared all this if the MSM had just done its job. I would say I wish they'd learned from this, but you know, I'm not sure they're unhappy with the outcome. It's probably great for sales, and the suburbanites who describe Jackson as "the jungle" probably love it. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-17T09:45:40-06:00

ID

123738

Comment

And unless you go to another story then this paragraph may just slip right by you: Before the indictments, Melton was raising a dozen youths he calls "sons." They joined him on this Aug. 16 jaunt in the Mobile Command Unit, watching the movie Gladiator on a big-screen TV and piling out whenever Melton stopped, once to watch a Jackson State University football practice. Michael Taylor, 17, was one of them. He had been with Melton for four months. According to the indictment, Taylor was with Melton the night he allegedly helped destroy the duplex. The indictment indicates Taylor was 16 at the time. Asked what the youths did when Melton was gone or out of town, Taylor pointed to himself. He was in charge, he said. The mayor points to Taylor. "That's my heart," he said. "My only regret is I didn't get him when he was 10 years old." Melton found another of his "sons" - Jon Graham, 17 - at the bus station in Jackson a few months ago. "Once you spend time with him, you see he's trying to help," Graham said. "When I get 18, he's going to help me go into the Marines." First of all lets go to the other article in today's paper about the agencies investigating Melton. Hinds County Sheriff's Department In June, Melton drove away from sheriff's deputies who were attempting to arrest 17-year-old Michael Taylor for failure to appear in court on an armed robbery charge. Taylor, who was living with Melton, was in Melton's sport-utility vehicle at the time. Melton later turned the teen over to sheriff's deputies, but only after Sheriff Malcolm McMillin called him. No charges against the mayor were filed. On Friday, Taylor's name showed up the indictments handed down by a Hinds County grand jury. Melton allegedly directed Taylor to help destroy a duplex on Ridgeway Street in west Jackson. Taylor was not charged. They should have let the reader know about the "Taylor incident" with the Sheriff in the first article. Did Melton bail him out after he was finally turned in? Something is inherently wrong here folks! And a message to Jon Graham, you don't need Melton's help to get you in the Marines. You just need the desire. Sounds like some kind of line he told this boy to come home with him. Now where is he since Melton can't have children? Danks house? Weaver's? Blunston's? Tillman's? Anderson's? Ward's? I doubt it!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-17T09:53:07-06:00

ID

123739

Comment

Good points Tom!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-17T09:54:51-06:00

ID

123740

Comment

Piker, normally the Marines do not take criminals. It is not like the old days where a judge would give you a choice of going to jail or service. If he has a criminal record, he'll probably need "help" getting in. MIght make a fine soldier but he'll have a tough time getting in with baggage.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-17T10:34:57-06:00

ID

123741

Comment

KIngfish the gentleman in question may not have a record. He was "found" by Melton at the bus station. I can only go on what the press reports. I certainly didn't want to speculate about the kid. Melton found another of his "sons" - Jon Graham, 17 - at the bus station in Jackson a few months ago. "Once you spend time with him, you see he's trying to help," Graham said. "When I get 18, he's going to help me go into the Marines." Maybe I missed something and this kid was involved with the Ridgeway incident?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-17T14:12:19-06:00

ID

123742

Comment

ah, my fault. I thought it was another kid making that quote.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-17T14:13:57-06:00

ID

123743

Comment

Once Frankie boy truly realizes that Dnaks, Evers, and his supporters don't have to go to jail if the lawyers fail him, he will give up, plead, and leave town.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-18T09:07:26-06:00

ID

123744

Comment

The clarion ledger is reporting Danks saying Melton would consider a plea deal, and they plan to keep all options open. Watch out there now. I told y'all, that upon some sober reflection of whose ass is really in a bind, Frank would open up. Frank is reading my posts. They need to also pay me for remembering songs that refected their situations. See the article about Melton not being able to supervise children. Some of my best stealing is highlighted there.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-18T15:34:26-06:00

ID

123745

Comment

Sorry, Ray, but it might have more to do with Melton realizing that if he stays, he's going to have to attend a lot of meetings in City Hall and talk about stuff like repaving. Unarmed. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-18T15:41:38-06:00

ID

123746

Comment

Ok. Donna. I like that trademark smile of his. He can't resist doing it when he's lying or has been caught busted. It's a clear give away. I'm gonna miss Frank though. Jackson hasn't seen that much action since the Union Soldiers came thru here. And fortunately we stopped him before he got to show us all he was capable of.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-18T15:49:39-06:00