Jackson Free Press

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon was robbed at gunpoint over the weekend. An assailant, armed with "a sawed-off shotgun" came up to her and her husband on Saturday and demanded her purse.

"This man did not appear to be some kind of drug-user," Barrett-Simon said on Monday. "He sounded sober and was dressed as clean as you or me."

Barrett-Simon said she suspected the assailant had planned the robbery, saying she had discovered cigarette butts littering a spot in the street in front of her house. The robber was smoking at the time of the incident. Barrett-Simon said she also believed the robbery was not impulsive, because she and her husband were not visible from the street.

"I've had visitors at my house, and it took some of them forever to realize that my house is just behind a rise in the driveway," Barrett-Simon said.

The council discussed the incident on Monday, using it as an example of how prevalent crime is and how unprepared the city is to deal with it.

"I don't think we've ever had a crime plan," Barrett-Simon complained to the council and mayor. "We can't say we have a plan that has worked ... in other places, and we're ready to put it forth here, and this is how much it's going to cost," Barrett-Simon said.

Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes said that the chief had brought a plan to the council last month.

"The chief gave us a plan. We have a plan," Stokes insisted, referring to a plan calling for more officers and a police wage increase. The plan does not outline how to fund its principal elements, however, and the mayor's office has not submitted any ideas for the council to approve.

"I don't think a lot of police officers know that it's not our job to devise these ideas. All the council does is approve them," said Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler.

Previous Comments

ID

67755

Comment

Has anyone seen the WLBT follow-up report on this. It adds a more chilling picture to the facts we already know. Saturday was not your typical armed robber. "Almost as an afterthought he said he wanted my purse," she says. Then: She's deeply concerned with Mayor Frank Melton's comments at Tuesday's board meeting. "I am very sorry about the events that may or may not have happened over the weekend, but it's something that has affected all of us, including me," he says. "There's complete outrage at that remark," Barrett-Simon says. "When I confronted (Mayor Melton) with it, he didn't have the guts to follow up and tell me exactly what he was talking about." Melton responds by saying "That's a lie. I was asked about it. I specifically told Ben Allen I was referencing the shooting of a 14-year-old child." Councilman Allen confirms that. "I did ask Mayor Melton if he meant Ms. Barrett-Simon, and if so, he needed to apologize, and he said clearly no I didn't mean that," Allen says. Come on councilman, do you actually believe Melton or Simon?

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-06-14T08:18:19-06:00

ID

67756

Comment

Huh? Do you mean that in the middle of a conversation, he was talking about something completely different and didn't even specify that he was talking about someone else? Melton either told a fib or wasn't listening.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-14T08:51:12-06:00

ID

67757

Comment

The teenager was either shot or he wasn't shot. How in the spell could melton use this as an example. Am I missing something?

Author

justjess

Date

2007-06-14T10:31:51-06:00

ID

67758

Comment

Exactly, justjess and LW... As always, he is having to backtrack his initial response, and claim he didn't mean to say what he said. I'll stick with Councilwoman Barrett-Simon's assessment that "When I confronted (Mayor Melton) with it, he didn't have the guts to follow up and tell me exactly what he was talking about." See this incident happened AFTER Melton said what he said during the meeting. She wanted her own personal clarification! So, just because he said something to Allen once it happened in the meeting, that doesn't mean Mrs. Barrett-Simon didn't follow-up, and ask him about it after the meeting.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-06-14T10:40:07-06:00

ID

67759

Comment

Why is it that every time Melton is confronted about something, he brings up a teenager?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-14T10:44:11-06:00

ID

67760

Comment

Cause teenagers are always on his mind?

Author

honey2me

Date

2007-06-14T13:11:33-06:00

ID

67761

Comment

Good question L.W. even better answer honey2me. One day "it" will be out and proven and everyone that doesn't know will know. (wink wink)

Author

maad

Date

2007-06-14T13:48:56-06:00

ID

67762

Comment

I'm nauseated. Well, I'm hoping they kept some of those cigs for evidence and DNA...

Author

kaust

Date

2007-06-14T14:08:06-06:00

ID

67763

Comment

For those interested in discussing the FBI rumors that are swirl, let's discuss them under this story, considering that they involve Barrett-Simon's comments to WLBT: Meanwhile, Barrett-Simon says law enforcement has high interest in the circumstances surrounding the robbery, and in the allegations that Melton's Chief of Staff, Marcus Ward, tried to influence JPS board member Jonathan Larkin to vote for one company over another to handle the school district's bond projects. No one has confirmed that the FBI is involved: Others have little to say about whether the FBI is getting involved in city matters. "I've been through two FBI investigations, two big ones. I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment," Allen says. "Even if I knew something I couldn't report it. I have nothing to say. I can't confirm or deny," says JPS Board Attorney David Watkins. Note that the last is exactly what David Watkins told us, and it contradicts The Clarion-Ledger story that Watkins and Larkin had "confirmed" that they had talked to the FBI. From the Goliath story: A Jackson Public Schools board member and an attorney for the school district confirmed Tuesday they have been questioned by the FBI. However, yesterday Larkin just told the JFP: "I've never confirmed that the FBI has spoken to me." Meanwhile, David Watkins said he gave this statement to The Clarion-Ledger: "I cannot confirm or deny (talking to the FBI), because even if they had contacted me, I could not disclose that because I represent the school board and would need authority from the board to disclose it, if appropriate."

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-06-14T14:33:15-06:00

ID

67764

Comment

Thanks Brian. Good Info. Knol mentioned getting DNA from the cigarettes. Does JPD have the means of getting this done? I hope the cig's weren't tossed aside as trash. Also, has anyone heard that the robbery was meant as "a message" to Mrs. Barrett-Simon? If this is true, what type of message--a message to stop voting against Melton's silly proposals? Has anyone heard about this?

Author

blu_n_a_redstate

Date

2007-06-14T15:00:14-06:00

ID

67765

Comment

What is going on then? When is The Clarion-Ledger reporting that Watkins and Larkin have confirmed this rumor if they haven't???

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-14T15:39:59-06:00

ID

67766

Comment

Donna, You stand corrected: It's "The Clarion Liar", remember?

Author

blu_n_a_redstate

Date

2007-06-14T16:04:12-06:00

ID

67767

Comment

If any of this is true, wouldn't it send the Melton administration down like a house of cards? Dare we hope?

Author

tombarnes

Date

2007-06-14T16:08:17-06:00

ID

67768

Comment

Thanks Brian. Good Info. Knol mentioned getting DNA from the cigarettes. Does JPD have the means of getting this done? I hope the cig's weren't tossed aside as trash. Also, has anyone heard that the robbery was meant as "a message" to Mrs. Barrett-Simon? If this is true, what type of message--a message to stop voting against Melton's silly proposals? Has anyone heard about this? Speaking as a CSI fan, I hope that they did save the cigarette butts. Also, I wouldn't mind if that fine-as-wine Gary Dourdan showed up to investigate. LOL Seriously, folks, I think the JPD would get DNA samples since this would be considered high-profile in these parts, but it's hard to tell what they would do, or be permitted to do, at this point considering all the corruption going on at the highest level.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-14T16:19:12-06:00

ID

67769

Comment

The city has now offered the first undisputed confirmation that the FBI is investigating--well, something. "The city has in fact received federal subpoenas for documents. The city responded timely and produced the requested documents," said Peiter Teeuwissen, special assistant to City Attorney Sarah O'Reilly-Evans. "I cannot comment about the content of the subpoenas or what documents were requested." ... When asked about the subpoenas, City Council President Ben Allen responded, "I have - like many people - heard some rumors circling. As far as what I know is going on, I will confirm or deny nothing and have no comment."

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-06-15T08:38:55-06:00

ID

67770

Comment

"Then-Council President Louis Armstrong pleaded guilty in 1999 to bribery and conspiracy to commit extortion charges for soliciting a bribe to influence a vote on a zoning matter.And former Councilman Robert Williams was convicted in November 1999 of attempting to extort $150,000 from Time Warner Cable.Melton has hired both men to work in his administration. Armstrong is director of the city's housing department. Williams worked for several months as as code enforcement officer." (extract from CL article Brian linked) So, Melton really does stand by his belief in offering convicts a "second chance"

Author

Izzy

Date

2007-06-15T08:52:02-06:00

ID

67771

Comment

"What's going on?" Melton is reportedly saying, "we don't need to escalate", and "only love can conquer hate. We've got to find a way to bring some loving here today."

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-06-15T09:20:26-06:00

ID

67772

Comment

There you go again, Ray. What's you CD collection like? :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-15T09:28:00-06:00

ID

67773

Comment

Ray, though Marvin Gaye's original version is a classic, you have to give Quincy Jones some props for his version on "Smackwater Jack." :-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-06-15T09:37:29-06:00

ID

67774

Comment

From another thread: WJTV Channel 12 is reporting that councilman Ben Allen checked himself into a hospital after suffering chest pains today. The hospital he checked into was not disclosed. Let's pray for him. Posted by: blu_n_a_redstate on Jun 15, 07 | 5:03 pm WAPT says that he will spend at least one night at St. Dominic. Allen has a history of high blood pressure. They also said Frank Bluntson came to visit him.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-15T17:08:44-06:00

ID

67775

Comment

Oh no.. that's terrible about Allen. Man... I sure hope he's alright.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-06-15T17:26:39-06:00

ID

67776

Comment

He was able to admit himself, so it's good that he didn't delay. I'm thinking that it's probably stress. He doesn't have a history of heart problems according to the reports. It'll probably be in his best interest to take a break and rest for a while.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-15T18:32:56-06:00

ID

67777

Comment

More on Allen's condition: Allen said he checked himself in at about 11:00 Friday morning after suffering chest pains and tingling in parts of his body. Allen told WLBT the first of three tests he will undergo ruled out heart attack, but he says doctors told him his blood pressure was extremely high. Allen says his doctors say they were surprised he hadn't had a stroke. He will remain hospitalized through Saturday.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-15T18:54:49-06:00

ID

67778

Comment

Oh Lord. Prayers for Ben. :-(

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-15T23:49:43-06:00

ID

67779

Comment

Well, normally blood pressure can be controlled. Lord knows, he has good reason to be suffering from this malady. I am grateful this was not his heart and me and mine send our very best wishes for a speedy return to working for the City that needs him! And to his family who loves him.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-06-16T14:27:21-06:00

ID

67780

Comment

Per WAPT, he's out of the hospital, and the doctor told him to improve his diet and exercise. Take care of yourself, man!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-16T18:29:58-06:00