Jackson Free Press

Federal District Judge Dan Jordan ruled this morning that defense attorneys for Mayor Frank Melton and former bodyguard Michael Recio cannot use allegations of sexual misconduct by former bodyguard Marcus Wright to impugn his testimony or character during the civil rights trial in downtown Jackson. The judge ruled that defense attorneys could only ask "generic" questions about whether prosecutors convinced Wright to testify by threatening to make public the 2005 allegations that he had sex with two transsexual prostitutes.

Jury selection continues today in the federal against Melton and Recio for the destruction of a Ridgeway Street duplex, a story the Jackson Free Press broke on Sept. 1, 2006.

Previous Comments

ID

143226

Comment

It seems kind of remarkable that Recio hasn't pled. I mean, the jury could convict him and not Melton if they decide Recio, as a police officer, was trained to know better, but then decide to feel sorry for Melton because he is well-meaning and sick.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-02-03T13:03:33-06:00

ID

143229

Comment

That's a non-story, Baquan, that the Ledger is trying to magnify to have something to report during the slow times of jury selection. It's not uncommon for potential jurors to be dismissed because they express bias one way or the other. That's a major point of voir dire. It's ridiculous to say you can't get 12 people who would convict Melton with a good judge (who doesn't allow "evil intent" shenanigans) and a jury pool that hasn't been tainted in advance. This is a different game than state court in many ways. Whether the 12 people they get will convict him, I wouldn't hazard to guess. But it's silly to say it's not possible because they dismissed one biased juror. Also, Melton is not nearly as popular as he once was. He has burned through his political capital.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-02-03T13:45:40-06:00

ID

143231

Comment

The evidence is much more overwhelming for the feds, especially since Marcus Wright is testifying, and they can't bring in the sexual allegation against him. And I get the feeling the feds have been very thorough in their investigation. It's also a different charge with different things to prove. The judge isn't allowing hanky-panky or "evil intent" idiocy. Obviously, the work for prosecutors is cut off, but they have some stellar D.C. attorneys on the job. The funeral comments were appalling. It's also intriguing that he did an interview with the Wall Street Journal apparently while the hearing was going on Friday.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-02-03T14:00:54-06:00

ID

143232

Comment

I hear you baquan2000. I have had this discussion with people (black folks) who say frank is the only person who really cares about crime here in Jackson. Others have said, "If frank did all of that stuff, why hasn't he been arrested." Then of course it's the one that moves me to tears: "Look at all of this good stuff that frank is building down town." Just last week we were in a restaurant when a group of young black males were discussing who they would vote for. One guy talked about Johnson and all of the good thing he had done. Another guy said, "The person who cuts the ribbon is the one I'm giving the credit to." Lastly, there is a group of people (black) who are deathly afraid of melton. I was riding with two educators coming home from Ain't Misbehavin' when one of the ladies said, "If you get on frank's bad side, he will put you in the ground." We have a lot of work to do and there are black folks who help to make the road much longer and harder. Just yesterday I read in the CL a quote from Leslie McLemore (Ward 2 Councilman). He said that Johnson had strained his relationship with the white community. I scratched my head and said, "and your point is?" Has McLemore forgotten how easy it is to "strain" some of these relationships? Just say one thing that I don't like or better still, just do one thing that I told you not to do. These minds of slavey continue and not just on the level of the uneducated and folks who have low informational outlet: For some, it is truly a self-serving GAME.

Author

justjess

Date

2009-02-03T14:28:24-06:00

ID

143234

Comment

The gag order is about this case, so it depends on what he said, and what the judge thought about it. I would think that talking in front of cameras at the funeral about how he wasn't going to plead was a violation, but I'm no expert. You can e-mail me at class (at) jacksonfrepress (dot)com to get on my class mailing list. The next bloc is in March. Finally, all, note that I have posted links to city candidate pages over on Jackpedia. So go over and help us build the pages (but no hanky-panky with candidates you don't like).

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-02-03T14:35:18-06:00

ID

143237

Comment

Mclemore didnt say the "white community" he said the city's "power brokers" of which the majority are white...yes. and he did strain those relationships. Like McLemore said those power brokers will be here long after a mayor leaves term and were here before hand. Black or white you dont make folks with that kind of influence mad. you work WITH them...and why is it when a Black official takes office we expect him to "stick it to white people" even the ones who are trying to develop this city. You want to see Johnson elected so he can say no to all the white developers when they want to start a new project? thats the kind of thinking that has him on the bench right now. Like I said, good guy, great planner, thanks for initiating some things downtown. but Horne or Crisler will be standing at the end. Cant teach an old dog new tricks IMO. I want someone who whether Black or White will say yes to new development and economic opportunity not a game of tit for tat. thats Black peoples problem already in this town.

Author

trusip

Date

2009-02-03T15:01:02-06:00

ID

143238

Comment

let the asswhoopin commence.............

Author

kcaven

Date

2009-02-03T15:14:42-06:00

ID

143249

Comment

I don't know what paper you are reading from, trusip but McLemore said "white community." thanks for the translation, i.e., White Community = Power Broker. Power comes in many forms: It is the "power" that Rosa Parks had as she sat in a "White" seat in Montgomery, AL. It is the "power" that Martin King had as he walked the highway to Selma and led the March on Washington. It is the "power" that many people such as Nelson Mandela had post 25 years in prison. To jog your memory, it is the "power" that poor blacks and some caring whites from other parts of the Country had that closed down "Down Town Jackson." During those days, black women could not try on clothes in a store: There were no blacks hired except for maids and janitors. So please Madam/Sir, do not humor me with your unidiminsional idea of power. Incumbents of public office who engage in ingratiating behavior expose themselves to puppet-like control by those who are precieved as being "power brokers." "...Those standing at the end" will be those who have no authenticity or integrity. In such a scanerio, only individuals benefit while the mass of people suffer. Think about it!

Author

justjess

Date

2009-02-04T13:36:10-06:00