Jackson Free Press

In a March 22 filing (PDF, 215 KB) in Hinds County circuit court, local WJNT host Kim Wade has responded to a motion from former Mayor Dale Danks, who serves as Mayor Frank Melton's private attorney, asking the court to dismiss Wade's call for Melton's removal from office.

On Feb. 16, Wade filed a petition for removal (PDF, 270 KB) arguing that after his conviction on misdemeanor weapons violations last November, Melton no longer had the right to hold public office. Wade based his argument on Article 6, Section 175 of the Mississippi Constitution, which states that "all public officers, who in wilful neglect of duty or misdemeanor in office, shall be liable to presentmnet or indictment by a grand jury; and, upon conviction, shall be remove from office, and otherwise punished as may be prescribed by law."

In a Feb. 21 response (PDF, 300 KB), Danks called Wade's petition "frivolous" and "vexatious." Danks urged Wade to retract his petition and threatened him with sanctions if he chose to proceed. Danks argued that Wade's petition has "no realitistic hope of success" because Wade misinterprets the meaning of "misdemeanor in office" and he has no standing to bring such a petition.

Now, in a new pro se filing, (i.e., Wade filed the response without benefit of formal legal counsel), Wade argues that Danks' arguments are incorrect.

Wade argues that he has standing for a number of reasons. First, if Melton is removed from office, Wade writes that he plans to qualify as a candidate for mayor in the special election that would follow, meaning that Wade has a stake in the court's decision. Wade also moves to amend his complaint to add Rick Whitlow, who ran as the Republican nominee for mayor in 2005, as a party, along with former Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., who lost to Melton in the 2005 Democratic primary. "With these additional parties included, the necessary claimants will be before the Court, clearly satisfying the quo warranto statute," Wade wrote.

Wade goes on to cite Van Slyke v. Vd. of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning to argue that he does have a standing to sue. "[T]he Supreme Court unequivocally recognized Mr. Van Slyke's standing" even though he was a private citizen, Wade wrote. Wade also cites Fordice v. Thomas, quoting from the Mississippi Supreme Court's decision: "In Van Slyke ... this court observed that the Constitution of this state does not impose the same "standing" requirements as the United State Constitution and that a private citizen has the right to challenge unlawful government action." (Emphasis added by Wade.)

Because neither the attorney general or the district attorney have honored the constitutional provision, Wade argues, "[t]he only recourse is for a citizen such as the Plaintiff to step in, just as Mr. Van Slyke and Ms. Thomas did before with the approval of the Mississippi Supreme Court."

Wade disagrees with Danks' interpretation of "misdemeanor in office." Danks argued that this constitutional provision was codified in Miss. Code 25-5-1, which specifies that a public office holder can only be removed upon conviction of a felony. Wade points out that the Constitution is superior to any statute and that "there is nothing in the language found in Section 25-5-1 to suggest that it was enacted as a means for implementing or interpreting Section 175 of the Constitution."

Wade contests Danks' interpetation of State of Nebraska v. Hergert, which Danks argued requires "corrupt intention" in an official for an act to qualify as a "misdemeanor in office." The real test, Wade contends, is whether the crime was related to the "officer's duty." Wade writes that the "facts easily bear out that the Defendant did this under color of his office, while acting as the mayor."

Wade points out that when Attorney General Jim Hood wrote Melton on May 26, 2006, warning him to obey the concealed weapons laws, Hood addressed the letter to Melton in his official capacity and to his official post office box. "[T]he Attorney General wrote the Defendant because the Attorney General believed that the Defendant was abusing his public office in a number of respects and, in particular, by carrying a handgun into prohibited locations," Wade wrote.

Wade concludes by arguing that Melton failed to meet a "positive statutory duty" by failing to enforce a "vital law," namely the concealed weapons law. "As set forth in the Plaintiff's complaint the Defendant broke the law while acting as mayor with police bodyguards surrounding him and by appearing at the church and school to speak as Mayor," Wade wrote. "Clearly these are misbehaviors/misdmeanors in office, and no corrupt motive is required."

Previous Comments

ID

126729

Comment

I get this feeling that despite any logical arguments, those silly people at the Supreme court will back Melton regardless.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-03-22T17:26:31-06:00

ID

126730

Comment

Fight Kim, Fight! hahaha

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-03-22T17:34:23-06:00

ID

126731

Comment

Let's think positive, Iron!

Author

Izzy

Date

2007-03-22T18:16:53-06:00

ID

126732

Comment

Okay. I'm positive this will fail, and Melton will serve another 20 years as Mayor of Jackson. Happy? :)

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-03-22T18:40:47-06:00

ID

126733

Comment

So what judge in Hinds County is assigned this case?

Author

GLewis

Date

2007-03-23T06:19:07-06:00

ID

126734

Comment

Judge Webster is presiding over this matter.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-03-23T07:07:33-06:00

ID

126735

Comment

JFP GETS KUDOS FROM LARRY NESBITT!!! I am listening to Larry Nesbitt, and he just gave the Jackson Free Press a compliment--a really nice compliment. Some guy called in to Nesbitt's show this morning complaining about Kim Wade not being a true conservative and to his many positive references to the "Liberal Rag" the Jackson Free Press. Larry Nesbitt said that JFP does not like him, but he also said that JFP investigative reporters were really good, and that he gets more information from JFP than anywhere else. Hmmm!!!! :)

Author

blu_n_a_redstate

Date

2007-03-23T07:33:51-06:00

ID

126736

Comment

Some guy called in to Nesbitt's show this morning complaining about Kim Wade not being a true conservative and to his many positive references to the "Liberal Rag" the Jackson Free Press. blu Why do I think this is the same neck'ish guy that calls in the afternoons to Kim Wade saying the same thing. The guy I'm thinking of called while Donna was on the show one time and called Jackson = "Jafrica!" He's practically a daily caller. I am so glad Bo Brown called and mentioned that so many people, especially Larry's listeners, are ignoring right and wrong because the person in question is a "friend." Granted, they had agreeable banter; but, Larry didn't really expound on this point. It is one of the main reasons Melton is still empowered to go around making an ass of Jackson and himself. Did you see the police graduation speech? Yet, those same people wouldn't stand for wrong doing by everyone else.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-03-23T08:08:48-06:00

ID

126737

Comment

pikersam, thanks for the mention of the police graduation speech. melton stated that he was suppose to be a member of that class but he was busy with "mistdameanors amd felonies." He also went on to say that he had spent some time in jail. This report was laced with laughter and what was even more sickening was the fact that people laughed and clapped. I hope lthat Kim Wade can be the force of one who can bring some order to this madness. Jackson is in trouble! Again, melton is a magnet for crime and youngsters, especially those with borderline criminal intent, are fueled from this type of verbal and behavioral discharge. Channel 16 has run this piece several times and Joyce Brewer makes viewers aware of the laughter. I also noticed that Marcus Ward was a member of the graduating police class. My, this guy has descended from the City's #1 lobbyist to a police officer. I guess this is frank's way of making sure that someone in his gang can legally carry a weapon.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-03-23T09:11:40-06:00

ID

126738

Comment

Saw the CL story this morning about Judge Green/Melton feud. Is that what they call it now?

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-03-23T09:30:01-06:00

ID

126739

Comment

A "feud"??? That paper gets more embarrassing by the day.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-03-23T09:33:00-06:00

ID

126740

Comment

So since Webster is the judge I suppose we can assume he is gonna sit on these motions until after the April trial?

Author

GLewis

Date

2007-03-23T09:33:39-06:00

ID

126741

Comment

also, what was Green doing attending that Church meeting and making commments? That is why I say you don't say anything if you are a judge so you don't have this crap making the paper (and I mean making alleged statements). If you just say I can't say anything, I'm the judge, you don't have to worry about it instead of having to clarify or defend what you said.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-03-23T09:35:27-06:00

ID

126742

Comment

Channel 16 has run this piece several times and Joyce Brewer makes viewers aware of the laughter. I also noticed that Marcus Ward was a member of the graduating police class. My, this guy has descended from the City's #1 lobbyist to a police officer. I guess this is frank's way of making sure that someone in his gang can legally carry a weapon. Seriously, Ward is now a police officer? Were those full-time or reserve JPD officers that graduated?

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-03-23T09:56:33-06:00

ID

126743

Comment

Why is calling it a "feud" inappropriate?

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-03-23T09:58:22-06:00

ID

126744

Comment

Just to explain what these motions are so far... Danks motion to dismiss - Danks filed a 12(b)(6) motion, which is a motion to dismiss because he says there is no relief to be granted to Wade. So, then Wade has to come in and file a response to why the court should not grant the dismissal. The court is not trying this suit, just trying to see if there is any evidence that 'relief can be granted' to Wade. The response to Dank's motion to dismiss filed yesterday by Wade: This response is so that the court will decide whether or not to grant Dank's motion to dismiss. Again, not trying to the suit on the merits of the arguments, they are just seeing if there is enough evidence to pass the dismissal "test." Also, Wade is trying to amend his complaint, which probably will be granted if the dismissal is denied. Hope that helps.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-03-23T10:02:05-06:00

ID

126745

Comment

I hate to say so, but I regret Judge Green went to this meeting. I know the minister aiding Danks and wouldn't trust her for one second.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-03-23T10:05:48-06:00

ID

126746

Comment

Ray, didn't they invite her there? Maybe it was a trap?

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-03-23T10:06:45-06:00

ID

126747

Comment

Frank's graduation speech “he was unavailable to complete the training” very interesting indeed! We have a "Frankie pattern" here folks. What I mean is Frank never follows through on any kind of law enforcement training. When he took over as director of MBN, DEA got Frank a slot at the DRUG MANAGERS COURSE held at the FBI/DEA Academy in Quantico, Virginia. It was and is a two week course. This training is highly sought after by state and local department heads. DEA even paid for the training. Frank lasted a whole two days before citing MBN being in disarray from the previous director. A short time after Frank was removed as MBN director by newly elected Governor Barbour, Melton went to the State Capital (November/December 2004). Frank arrived armed. The capital police asked Melton under what departments’ authority did Melton have the authorization to carry said firearm. Frank told the capital police he received his authorization and training from DEA. When DEA found this out the DEA wrote Frank a letter stating that in no way was Frank Melton associated with DEA either as an agent and/or task force officer. The letter further warns Melton that if he claimed association with DEA he would be prosecuted for impersonation of a federal agent. A very short time latter Melton was made a "reserve" Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy. Regards, Larry.

Author

Larry

Date

2007-03-23T10:16:26-06:00

ID

126748

Comment

LawClerk, you are right. It was a trap and any right think person should read her affidavit as suspect. One of her first statements is that they decided that only 2 clergy would speak with the Judge so she wouldn't feel "attacked." If these were fair minded clergy why the need to "protect" the Judge from being attacked? Sounds like the Judge was invited into a hostile environment? Also, The Rev. "implies" that Judge Green was trying to make them think Melton was faking his surgery. Isn't that like "assuming" something? We know what assumptions can do Rev! She mentions that there were "other" conversations that showed "there was nothing we could do about the situation." What was the goal of the clergy in attendance Dr. Johnson? To circumvent the law? These coin operated reverends are one of the biggest problems in Jackson.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-03-23T10:20:45-06:00

ID

126749

Comment

I don't know Lawclerk. I just hate she went or trusted any of them.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-03-23T10:31:30-06:00

ID

126750

Comment

pickersam, I agree with you on the "coin operated" ministers. They can be bought with very little encouragement. Tommie should not depend on thiese folks who have been chosen to deliver "the most unkindess cut of all." melton was a frozen snake that Green initially put in her coat to warm. Once he thawed, he bit her and now they are waiting on her to die. (political death). She should have know that he was a snake when she took him in. These melton stories go back to his very entry into the City of Jackson. There have been lies and more lies.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-03-23T11:06:28-06:00

ID

126751

Comment

Unbelieveable......You folks don't believe the ministers. You are happy with the mayor being locked up when we don't have room for violent criminals to be incarcerated. And heaven knows the good judge is beyond reproach in your minds. Yep, that mayor is a dangerous criminal.

Author

saintman

Date

2007-03-23T12:31:35-06:00

ID

126752

Comment

OK, now that you're done reading people's minds and proclaiming what's in them, saintman, you are welcome to stop violating the User's Agreement. Please state your opinion here, not make silly pronouncements about what other people think.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-03-23T12:39:49-06:00

ID

126753

Comment

You know, this Judge Green, Rev. Johnson, Danks thing is beginning to remind me of the Julie Hinds Mabus fiasco. Did these 2 clergypersons decide to counsel or confer with the Judge from a pastorial platform?

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-03-23T12:45:30-06:00

ID

126754

Comment

what exactly did he do? Two posters say the ministers are paid off. There are people on this board (me being one of them) who want the mayor in jail for violating his probation. And several posters have defended Judge Green very enthusiastically shall we say. ;-) Where did he go wrong in his post?

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-03-23T12:49:51-06:00

ID

126755

Comment

This minister was a minister at a church I once belonged to. I left there running so fast I almost missed the exit to Ridgeland. I never felt anything said around that church to anyone would be protected and kept quiet. I was the lawyer for the church for a while. Not the present one she's at , but the old one.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-03-23T12:55:37-06:00

ID

126756

Comment

No one here said violent criminals shouldn't be locked up. But whenever you commit violations of probation, you should go to jail, too. This would apply to every person who violates his or her conditions of probation. Why should it be any different for the mayor?

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-03-23T13:02:08-06:00

ID

126757

Comment

With all due respect "Ladd"....I don't see anything I posted that was substantially different from the foolishness posted before me. I find it more than interesting how there is a concerted effort to reign in differing viewpoints. If this forum will not tolerate dissent then kindly say so.

Author

saintman

Date

2007-03-23T13:05:58-06:00

ID

126758

Comment

I hear Judge Green had surgery herself and might be the reference to the stitches...her own and not any of the Mayors. What I find interesting is the defense of the Mayor's attorneys being about recusal, when she wasn't fighting that, but was asking for sanctions related to the larceny charge. I haven't read the Mayor's attorneys response - what did it say related to the larceny accusation that they filed?

Author

JenniferGriffin

Date

2007-03-23T13:17:29-06:00

ID

126759

Comment

You are happy with the mayor being locked up when we don't have room for violent criminals to be incarcerated. And heaven knows the good judge is beyond reproach in your minds. saintman I am happy when any person who breaks the law and is due jail time gets it. But, to tell us that we are happy or that the Judge is beyond reproach in "our" minds IS proclaiming what is in our minds. Dissent is welcome... facts are too. The only thing factual in your first post is: Yep, that mayor is a dangerous criminal. saintman Yep! Sure is!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-03-23T13:18:14-06:00

ID

126760

Comment

Oops, meant to post this on the other thread....

Author

JenniferGriffin

Date

2007-03-23T13:19:44-06:00

ID

126761

Comment

Saintman said "Unbelieveable......You folks don't believe the ministers. You are happy with the mayor being locked up when we don't have room for violent criminals to be incarcerated. And heaven knows the good judge is beyond reproach in your minds. Yep, that mayor is a dangerous criminal." 1. Why should we give "ministers" an automatic pass for whatever they say? 2. I am happy when convicted criminals and probation violators are locked up 3. The Judge has made errors, but has not been convicted of *any* crimes and being a Judge she is entitled to respect. 4. I agree that convicted criminals dangerous. lc

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-03-23T13:20:23-06:00

ID

126762

Comment

Golden Eagle....I am sure you are aware that every violation of probation does not result in jail time. My only point is that the vendetta against Milton has been "fast tracked" all the way from day one. Have you ever seen anyone indicted faster than the mayor was? More attention and effort was paid to the mayor's admitted wrong-doing than was given to murderers and rapists. It's a matter of proportionality.

Author

saintman

Date

2007-03-23T13:26:08-06:00

ID

126763

Comment

saintman, what exactly is your point? What kind of message are you trying to convey. Could it be that melton, because he is the mayor, can tell citizens to do as he says, not as he does? What kind of example is this for our young people? If our jails are over=crowded, lets address that issue; lets not decide that people (including the mayor) who break the law should not be punished because we don't have a place to keep them. During the 60' when we were arrested for trying to exercize our rights as citizens and trying to prove that we were not monkeys, the fact that our towns did not have jail space simply did not matter. These "harden criminals," "outside agitators" (usually college kids) were hauled down to the fair grounds and patrolled by dogs, firefighters and policemen.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-03-23T13:29:50-06:00

ID

126764

Comment

Saintman, public officials with access to weapons and personnel *have* to be processed fast. We are all responsible for the actions of public officials, so not only do we have to worry about their actions causing major problems (or harm), we have to worry about being financially responsible as taxpayers for the things that we allowed him to get away. His name is spelled Melton. And this is no evidence of a "vendetta" against him that I have ever seen. You need to back that one up.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-03-23T13:30:37-06:00

ID

126765

Comment

(An aside: All you JFP site geeks will be thrilled to know that Knol-the-Magnificent has fixed our page counter, which got screwed up during the nail-biting server move.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-03-23T13:36:31-06:00

ID

126766

Comment

Melton is a thug. He surrounds himself with thugs. He hires thugs. We have thugs running the capital city. And I don't believe a minister just because they say they are a minister. Ministers can be thugs, too.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-03-23T13:36:51-06:00

ID

126767

Comment

Have you ever seen anyone indicted faster than the mayor was? saintman Since, this is a common cry from the Meltonites... For the record, I haven't ever seen a mayor, drunk on power and hooch, wield a "walking tall" stick, and tear down a house in the middle of the night of a man with a mental disorder, with others who participated on his orders - including the youths that were with him that night. With no real arrests! Nor have I seen a mayor then go to a nightclub in the middle of the night and put a beat down on the owner's son.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-03-23T13:36:58-06:00

ID

126768

Comment

Saintman you are way off base here pal. Melton has, at the very least honesty issue. Can't you except that?

Author

Larry

Date

2007-03-23T13:37:08-06:00

ID

126769

Comment

well stated piker!

Author

Larry

Date

2007-03-23T13:38:29-06:00

ID

126770

Comment

The "vendetta" is a personal opinion based on the speed and ferocity of Melton's case development. I fully understand the ramifications of being a public official. I do not, however, understand the desire to hurry his punishment over that of rapists and murderers. I don't fear running into the mayor on the streets of Jackson. I cannot say the same about some others I might come in contact with.

Author

saintman

Date

2007-03-23T13:42:01-06:00

ID

126771

Comment

saintman, you are fast approaching the bottom of the ground. Stop digging! melton's case had to be delt with: QUICK, FAST AND IN A HURRY! He was committing criminal acts faster than the City could ever imagine paying for damages. He (melton) was going into businesses smelling of alcohol with kids riding with him late at night in City property (Mobile Command Unit). melton was in the fast land and had to be stopped! This man was going around knocking on the doors of innocent people hitting on doors with the butt of a shot gun and with his personal dog who at times wore a police badge. This man was going through the pockets and cars of innocent citizens without probable cause or a search warrant - Keep in mind that these acts were all done to Blacks and in Black neighborhoods. You know something, this would not even be a point of discussion if it were happening in Eastover or in other affulient areas of this City.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-03-23T13:44:20-06:00

ID

126772

Comment

I do not, however, understand the desire to hurry his punishment over that of rapists and murderers. Did you read the reasoning I just gave for rushing his indictment? Conversation goes back and forth, you know. I listen and ask questions; you do the same. Also, another major reason to rush his process is in respect of him and his position. Judge Green purposefully did not allow the prosecution to draw out his probation and gave him a secret three-month house arrest after he pled. That was clearly in deference to his position. Is there any point that you believe he should take responsibility for his own lies and illegal actions?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-03-23T13:45:56-06:00

ID

126773

Comment

Pikersam...."drunk on power" certainly is an opinion. And since you mildly chastised me for not using only "factual" info....I hasten to return the favor. I can certainly accept that as your opinion. However, it seems as if you have now taken to reading his mind. Yes Larry, I do think he struggles with honesty at times.

Author

saintman

Date

2007-03-23T13:48:09-06:00

ID

126774

Comment

The other point is that he kept thumbing is nose at people like Jim Hood who gave him a warning and time to figure out the law. Hood was more than accommodating with him, but Melton acted like he didn't have to listen to him. That was his choice, and he needs to act like a man and be responsible for his own actions, instead of always playing the victim in situations he himself creates. How condescending it is to act like he doesn't know how to be an honest person or obey the law. You should give him more respect than that. If you don't, why in the world would you want him as mayor?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-03-23T13:48:12-06:00

ID

126775

Comment

I'm curious. What does "struggles with honesty" mean? Air that one out for us. As someone who has seen him up and close and personal on this raids, I also share the opinion that he gets "drunk with power." I have an amazing quote from him on tape that is something very close to: "Who runs Jackson, Donna!? I run Jackson!" That sounds a bit tipsy with power to me.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-03-23T13:54:17-06:00

ID

126776

Comment

Ladd, I did indeed read your reasoning. I just happen to disagree. If you feel safer with the mayor behind bars...then so be it. I don't.

Author

saintman

Date

2007-03-23T13:54:32-06:00

ID

126777

Comment

Great, but why do you disagree? Convince us of your reasoning rather than tell us what we think. Lay it out there why an elected official who continually thumbs his nose at the law should not be protected from himself, and us from the inevitable lawsuits if we allow him to continue unchecked with our permission (by omission), in a swift way? Explain your point, please.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-03-23T13:56:32-06:00

ID

126778

Comment

Ladd...I mean that he will lie from time to time when it is beneficial for him to do so. However, that is not an uncommon trait with politicians. Example: "All politicians lie, its just that the Clintons do it with such ease." Remember that?

Author

saintman

Date

2007-03-23T14:01:41-06:00

ID

126779

Comment

saintman, do you feel safe when the mayor is out of jail? Just how is he protecting you or anyone when he is "ALWAYS" doing something stupid, ignorant, arrogant or just plain low-down? I have been waiting for just one melton supporter to give me just ONE, JUST ONE thing that he has done for the city of its citizens since being elected. JUST ONE. JUST ONE....

Author

justjess

Date

2007-03-23T14:03:05-06:00

ID

126780

Comment

Better still, I'm waiting for one person who worked for WLBT and during his Bottom Line Days who can give just ONE thing positive HE did for the stateion. Even better than that, I am waiting for ONE person employed by the MBN (not his cronies who were paid to keep it real) to give this community just one thing - just one thing that he did that was positive.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-03-23T14:08:39-06:00

ID

126781

Comment

I have been waiting for just one melton supporter to give me just ONE, JUST ONE thing that he has done for the city of its citizens since being elected. JUST ONE. JUST ONE.... I'm still waiting on the answer to that $64,000 question.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-03-23T14:23:54-06:00

ID

126782

Comment

Better still, I'm waiting for one person who worked for WLBT and during his Bottom Line Days who can give just ONE thing positive HE did for the stateion. I've been told that Frank was very hard to work for during his days at the local peacock.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-03-23T15:04:59-06:00

ID

126783

Comment

Very well stated on the MBN point Justjess! When I worked with MBN, not for MBN only a handful of people liked and/or respected Frank. Most of the law enforcement community cringed at his appointment and then at his stewardship (lack) of the agency. The only exception was the FBI. They were “in bed” with Frank. He, Frank owned those guys! They know it. Frank got everything he wanted from them. They were spearheading Frank’s chasing of “cold case” investigations. Cold case investigations are fine, matter of fact they’re needed but not from a state drug agency. Most agents were afraid of Frank, Joe Jackson and Roy Sandifer. Frank may have not have done “one good thing for MBN” but he did try and destroy a few careers. Donna my comment on "Frank having honesty issues at best" was me trying not to come right out and say "Frank's a damn liar.” Like you I've seen Frank in action. Both from a professional level then on a personal level. Frank likes you when you’re "out of his way or doing what he thinks ought to be done." The second you tell him "no, that's against the law or that's unethical" then he slanders you and latter lies about it. Regards, Larry.

Author

Larry

Date

2007-03-23T15:10:21-06:00

ID

126784

Comment

"The "vendetta" is a personal opinion based on the speed and ferocity of Melton's case development. I fully understand the ramifications of being a public official. I do not, however, understand the desire to hurry his punishment over that of rapists and murderers. I don't fear running into the mayor on the streets of Jackson. I cannot say the same about some others I might come in contact with." Posted by: saintman on Mar 23, 07 | 2:42 pm Sure, because his boot isn't illegally on the back of your neck.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-03-23T15:56:28-06:00

ID

126785

Comment

Larry, I've always been intrigued by the fact that, while at MBN, Melton made such a low number of drugs arrests while putting so much energy into one particular set of cold cases committed by one particular set of people. The impression that gives is that he is not too interested in making drug arrests and that he is obsessed with one particular group of alleged criminals, but not the others. That sounds much like a "vendetta," or something akin to it, than does the AG, the sheriff and the DA trying to enforce the laws of the state of Mississippi and keep guns out of people who aren't supposed to carry them in places where they are illegal.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-03-23T16:10:55-06:00

ID

126786

Comment

Thanks larry, thanks ladd for the support. Saintman, I'll admit that I get hyped about Melton sometimes. And, sometimes when I go back to look at what I wrote, I shake my head. True, he may not have drank a drop of liquor that evening. I really don't know that, and the trial is still a month away. But, we now know the mayor struggled(s) with alcohol based on published medical briefs. But, not even knowing what Melton said to Ladd in person, I take exception to a mayor who says on video that "he doesn't give a shit what the people think." Abusing the laws of our City and State by not following protocol for appointments, new hires, and budgeting tells me this man thinks he is "bigger" than the office he holds. And, I don't even need to give the examples of him thinking he is above the law to bolster my view point.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-03-23T16:42:11-06:00

ID

126787

Comment

Agreed - There is alot of speculation out there regarding Frank's and his "personal crusade and/or vendetta." I would really welcome a panel discussion with him and other "crime experts" as to where the real causes of crime stem from..............poverty, unemployment, lack of education and after school programs just to name a few. Getting tough on crime alone won't solve the problem. Getting tough on certain communities without regard to the law and a persons since of self respect is even worse. Really enjoyed your piece "Fighting Back in Klan Nation." Regards, larry.

Author

Larry

Date

2007-03-23T16:47:10-06:00

ID

126788

Comment

I'm still waiting on a melton supporter that can name one positive thing he's done to fight crime; just one. Anything. Hello. Name one. We'll wait. Really.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-03-23T16:55:06-06:00

ID

126789

Comment

Thanks, Larry, re the Klan piece. That's the work that is most meaningful to me. There will be more. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-03-23T17:06:51-06:00

ID

126790

Comment

Ladd, its the kind of work we need and the kind of work that benefits us all. Cliff, I will admit that I have seen many more stories of late of people being caught who were responsible for mulitpule crimes. Don't know if they will hold up in court? I do think the helicopter, though I not a big fan of it based on the private/public liability, and the fact that I know of one person just walking their dog in Belhaven being spotlighted, is helping some. But, is this due to a concret plan of action or sound leadership? I doubt it! But, lower crime and economic boom doesn't ever excuse straight up criminal behavior or unsound legal practices within the gov't by our elected officials.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-03-23T17:55:23-06:00

ID

126791

Comment

Pike, why do you think the helicopter is helping? That's a genuine question. When the city held its press conference on all that the helicopter was doing for Jackson, I was struck by how flabby the accolades were. The helicopter "assisted" in X, Y and Z crimes. They cited one specific example where the helicopter allowed them to see a man trying to hide in the woods, but all the rest of it was incredibly vague. I really can't see, at this point, how the helicopter will make any real impact on our crime problem. After all, our problem is not that criminals keep hiding in the woods! I mean, where are all those drug busts it was supposed to make? I'm told by law enforcement professionals that it's silly to claim that the helicopter's IR camera will spot meth labs considering that the heat signature of such labs is basically indistinguishable from a hot oven. So what is it doing to help us?

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-03-24T08:31:08-06:00

ID

126792

Comment

Good point Brian. I guess I don't have anything solid as to why it may be helping. I'm just hoping it has helped. As much as I rail the administration, I have kept tabs on the stories in the press reporting arrests. There seems to be some positive arrests made in some of the crime stories that make the press. But, those are usually the more high profile crimes they are reporting, so it doesn't make up for the other carjackings and burglaries that don't make the paper. Which begs the question, if we have 100's of cars stolen and people victimized by crime weekly, how do they decide which particular common crimes (outside the gory glamorous ones) get press coverage? They do catch many of the people that murder, and some of the ones who rob; but, I haven't read anything about a big drug bust by JPD outside the petty users they swept up on Hwy 80 one night. it's silly to claim that the helicopter's IR camera will spot meth labs considering that the heat signature of such labs is basically indistinguishable from a hot oven. That's for you Brian!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-03-24T10:04:58-06:00

ID

126793

Comment

A good defense attorney will have a "field day" if JPD or whoever is running the helicopter tries to utilize its THERMAL IMAGING Device (same thing as an IR except TID is the more appropriate term) for "clandestine" enforcement. Mainly indoor marijuana manufacturing operations. In 1994 the 9th circuit court of appeals, later, most other circuits followed making the TID illegal without a search warrant. Same cause to use the thermal would also get you a warrant for the house so the thermal's use in that capacity was almost non existent. It in no way can detect a "standard" methamphetamine lab. Helicopters are mostly utilized as “clandestine" surveillance platforms. In other words. A good way to follow a drug dealer from point A to point B then point C. Evidence gathering - not so much deterrent. Big drug busts by JPD? You are not going to hear about them because the just don't happen. I will clarify. The JPD drug unit is way under staffed. Some officers are assigned to Federally Funded Task Forces (DEA, FBI, ATF and US Marshal's Service). When one of these task forces makes a significant arrest they hold a press conference along with the United States Attorney's Office. It is there that all the agency heads (Chief's, Sheriff's and Directors) stand in the background then maybe say a few words about their agency's involvement in the investigation.............Let me say ex Chief Moore was a master of this. He wanted to be notified of every drug related news conference. He wanted to be briefed regarding the facts of the case so he could "reasonably" talk about JPD part in the arrests. DO ANY OF YOU EVER SEE SHIRLEEN ANDERSON DO THIS? No you don't. Regards, Larry.

Author

Larry

Date

2007-03-24T10:31:34-06:00

ID

126794

Comment

Let me say ex Chief Moore was a master of this. He wanted to be notified of every drug related news conference. He wanted to be briefed regarding the facts of the case so he could "reasonably" talk about JPD part in the arrests. DO ANY OF YOU EVER SEE SHIRLEEN ANDERSON DO THIS? No you don't. Larry That's cause there's only one man in town who can play cop for the people - Mr. 10-8 himself... Frank E. Melton! Hey man, I'm just making da pizza, sprinkling da cheese.... ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-03-24T11:06:49-06:00

ID

126795

Comment

That's right Piker............Mr. 10-8!

Author

Larry

Date

2007-03-24T11:14:02-06:00