Jackson Free Press

The thrice-delayed federal civil rights trial of Mayor Frank Melton and bodyguard Michael Recio kicked off Monday in the federal courthouse in downtown Jackson for the destruction of a private home in August 2006, a story first reported by the Jackson Free Press. The court summoned 100 potential jurors from the southern district in Mississippi. Questioning of the jurors started today and will continue for about three days. Opening statements are expected to happen late this week with the trial taking up to three weeks.

For a full archive of stories related to this case, as well as other Melton controversies, see the JFP's Melton archive/blog here.

Previous Comments

ID

143211

Comment

They haven't created a gag that can fill that big mouth, so jury selection might take some time...

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2009-02-02T21:46:03-06:00

ID

143225

Comment

Just saw on the Ledge's website that one juror was dismissed because she believed Melton is innocent. In other words, her mind was already made up that she would find him innocent. The juror is from Foxworth, near Columbia. Being from Foxworth, I'm willing to believe that she gets only the sanitized version of Melton and not digging in depth to what he's really about.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-02-03T12:51:05-06:00

ID

143326

Comment

Frank Melton and Recio have been charged with violating the homeowner and the tenant of the home civil rights. Civil rights charges and criminal charges are two different things. We all have rights including criminals guaranteed by the Constituition. Frank Melton violate the rights of these two because all of us is not aware of our rights as citizen. He counted on all us not being well informed.

Author

daw

Date

2009-02-05T16:16:11-06:00

ID

143331

Comment

Can't the Judge move this trial to Olive Branch or somewhere. What are the chances of seating an impartial jury? Just about nil if the press is to be believed.

Author

Razor

Date

2009-02-05T18:04:52-06:00