Jackson Free Press

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FEDERAL COURTHOUSE—The jury should failed to decide the fate Thursday of Mayor Frank Melton and his former bodyguard Michael Recio in their federal civil rights trial. The two men face three felony counts each for violating the civil rights of the owner and tenant of a duplex at 1305 Ridgeway St., which they are accused of using teenagers to destroy on Aug. 26, 2006. That story was first reported by Adam Lynch of the Jackson Free Press. The jury got the case about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and deliberated for about an hour before the judge sent them home for the evening. They deliberated all day Thursday, at one point saying they were at an impasse, and then asking questions that indicated to some experts that they may be leaning toward conviction on at least one count.

Friday morning update: Court was recessed until 12:30 p.m. to allow a juror to do a vital personal errand.

From Thursday:
After deliberating all morning today, the jury told Judge Dan Jordan around 2 p.m. that it had reached an impasse. Jordan told jurors he understood that they felt they couldn't reach a unanimous verdict, but instructed them to take more time deliberating, saying that the case was presented "at considerable expense."

"Do not hesitate to reexamine your own views and change your own opinion if you believe it erroneous," he said, adding that jurors also shouldn't change their decision just to deliver a verdict.

The jury can technically fail to reach a verdict on one count or defendant and still deliver a decision on another count or defendant. Jurors did not indicate to Jordan where specifically they had come to an impasse.

At about 4:15, Jordan called defense lawyers to chambers saying, "There's another issue you need to take up." Shortly thereafter, he called prosecutors back to chambers as well. Jordan told attorneys that the jurors requested Michael Taylor's testimony in addition to a clarification of the term "conspiracy."

If convicted, the men face years in prison, and Melton would have to step down as mayor if he is convicted of one of the counts. If he steps down, the Jackson City Council would choose a replacement from among its members as acting mayor until a new mayor takes office in July. The campaign for the next mayor is ongoing now; Melton's term ends in July, regardless.

Watch this space for updates on the trial, as well as @jxnfreepress on Twitter.

Previous Commentsshow

Oh, Lord, please let this be over today. I want justice served, but I want this to be finished even more.

LatashaWillis

Feb 19 2009

Let me first admit that I am biased. In my opinion Melton and Recio are guilty as sin. Notwithstanding that, it appears to me that the jury is leaning in the direction of a guilty verdict. I say this because of the two documents that they requested from the Court. They requested the admissions(stipulations) that were made by the defense and Wright's testimony. The stipulations basicly admit that FM had no legal authority to be at the house and Wright's testimony gives the details of what went on at the house. More likely than not there was some disagreement about what Wright said and they want to clear it up. It also appears that this jury paid attention to what went on in court because they asked for the stipulations. Juries usually don't pay attention to procedures such as stipulations. I certainly hope that the jury puts an end to Melton's nightmare of a tenure as mayor.

clarkkent

Feb 19 2009

I think that the absence of melton's "wife" or other members of his family tells all. Carolyn Redd, who is suppose to be his sister-in-law, was trying to put on a great show of support and also there was Stephanie Parker-Weaver who has been a drum major for melton in spite of all of the things that she knew/knows are WRONG. I have prayed many prayers for Stephanie and it is my hope that she will associate herself with positive energy to encourage continued healing and even if melton is found innocent of all charges, people around him will not continue to be enablers to him in the violation/disregard/disrespect of others.

justjess

Feb 19 2009

I want justice more than I want an end to this.

Ironghost

Feb 19 2009

I want to say that, Iron, but I don't want to get my hopes up too high just in case the Teflon hasn't worn off yet.

LatashaWillis

Feb 19 2009

I predict a verdict by nightfall.

golden eagle

Feb 19 2009

"If convicted, the men face years in prison, and Melton would have to step down as mayor if he is convicted of one of the counts." Just to be clear: Does this mean any of the three counts, or one specific count (where conviction on the other two counts would not be enough to remove him as mayor)?

Tom Head

Feb 19 2009

It's definitely going to be before Friday.

Ironghost

Feb 19 2009

Tom, all the counts are felonies, and conviction on any felony would immediately end his term as mayor. There is no debate or implementation. He ceases being mayor when the jury says "guilty" to any of the counts. Whether the jury will do that remains to be seen. If this is a mistrial, I am going to dance one-legged in the rain.

Brian C Johnson

Feb 19 2009

you may want to take that back.... these deliberations are starting to worry me...

lanier77

Feb 19 2009

So the jury has reached an "impasse". I assume that is a hung jury. What are the next steps?

Puck

Feb 19 2009

Thanks, Brian. Puck, an impasse is not necessarily a hung jury. Give 'em time.

Tom Head

Feb 19 2009

I just heard that the Judge made them go back and come up with something.

justjess

Feb 19 2009

Anyone thinkk Melton got to one of the jurors?

QB

Feb 19 2009

A compromise verdict of some sort is a real possibility given the jury's requests.

blkjazz

Feb 19 2009

[quote]Anyone think Melton got to one of the jurors? [/quote] Yep. A hung jury wouldn't surprise me.

Jeff Lucas

Feb 19 2009

We all have had the opportunity to voice our opinions on this issue about the innocense or guilt of Melton. Now it's time to put our faith in the judicial system and let the 12 people selected decide Melton fate. I don't care what verdict is rendered Melton has been convicted by the citizens of Jackson and his sentence is that he will be known as a liar, con artist, drunk,manipulator and a joke. If it was me I would rather serve time than to look into the faces of the Citizens of Jackson everyday. People forgot that Melton is a master at manipulation. Several weeks ago his heart condition was broadcast over and over again this was a smart move because he knew that if he used this ploy that most people would say he won't live long so why put him is jail. I hope you notice that he has had no problems with his heart during this trial. The issue still remains, why haven't there been other indictments of all the other people that was a part of covering up these illegal acts for Melton? Sarah O'Reilly Evans, Frank Blunston, Stephanie Parker Weaver it's time for them to go to jail on roller skates.

Tony Davis

Feb 20 2009

The longer they take, the more I am hopeful

Izzy

Feb 20 2009

Does anyone remember how long deliberations took last time?

LatashaWillis

Feb 20 2009

Not this long. If memory serves, it was less than a day.

Brian C Johnson

Feb 20 2009

Some believe that the longer a jury take, the more it's to the defendant's advantage. I'm not so sure about that. I know we all want a verdict as soon as possible, but I would rather for them to take the evidence and get it right, even if it goes against my personal feelings.

golden eagle

Feb 20 2009

Great pictures Kenya!

kcaven

Feb 20 2009

"Anyone thinkk Melton got to one of the jurors?" - Fat Harry Does a one-legged duck swim in a circle?

Bourree'

Feb 20 2009

Ya'll remember the episode of the "Simpson" where Homer kept the jury out cause he wanted to keep the free Cheetoes coming? Could there be a Homer Simson on the jury? How long before the judge lets them go for the night?

dd39203

Feb 20 2009

This case should have taken no more than 2 hours to deliberate. The longer it lasted, the more convinced I have become that somebody has been signed, sealed and delivered. This case was a no-brainer and I'm sure that the majority of the jurors don't want to surface as a bunch of dumb-asses. My quess is a mis-trial or the unseating of a juror with an alternate.

justjess

Feb 23 2009

Isn't it interesting that Recio's wife does not walk beside him. I guess they are trying to keep down any negatives relative to the black/white marital issue.

justjess

Feb 23 2009

Maybe she is ashamed of her husband being so dumb as to get wrapped up in this mess (Go on baby, I got to tie my shoe...I'll catch up with ya...)?

FreeClif

Feb 23 2009

Whitley, you are too funny on this one..(Go on baby, I got to tie my shoe...I'll catch up with ya...) I must admit that Recio earned a few points when he ordered his son back on the Mobile Command Unit and did not allow him to participate in the smack down. This is also telling that Recio knew that this kind of behavior was not to be proud of.

justjess

Feb 23 2009