News

Taylor Testimony Creates Firestorm, Brings In Melton Drunkenness

Previous JFP coverage of Michael Taylor

Melton Trial: Jordan Rules to Allow Alcohol Testimony; Taylor Takes the Stand

In a major move, Judge Dan Jordan ruled this morning to allow testimony of Mayor Frank Melton's alleged alcohol consumption the night of the Ridgeway duplex destruction, as well as testimony from defense witness Daniel Smith stating that he bought crack at the duplex the day of the raid and told Melton about it that same day. Jordan ruled yesterday just before opening arguments that he would not allow alcohol testimony, but said he would consider admitting it later.

Crematorium Owner Arrested Following Indictment

[Verbatim statement] Jackson, MS-A Jackson crematorium owner has been arrested following a five count indictment by a Hinds County Grand Jury, announced Attorney General Jim Hood. Mark Seepe, owner of Mark Seepe Funeral Directors & Crematorium in Jackson, was taken into custody this evening by investigators with the Public Integrity Division of the Attorney General's Office following an investigation by the Attorney General's Office, Public Integrity Division and indictment by a Grand Jury on charges that he either converted or embezzled funds that by law were to be placed in trust for benefit of customers who pre-paid for services (§75-63-59 and 75-63-69).

City to Receive $14 Million in HUD Funds

Mayor Frank Melton told reporters today to look forward to about $11 million in federal funds coming to the city for the purchase and repair of foreclosed homes to put back on the market.

Melton Trial: Prosecution Calls Michael Taylor

Federal prosecutors have just called Michael Taylor, a former Melton mentee, to the stand to testify. The government has apparently granted Taylor immunity in exchange for his testimony. More to come soon.

Melton Trial: Prosecutors Call Duplex Owner Jennifer Sutton as Witness

The U.S. government called Ridgeway Street duplex owner Jennifer Sutton as their second witness in the federal civil-rights trial of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton today. Crying as she looked a photos of the August 2006 damage, Sutton told the courtroom that she had not been contacted by the city prior to the demolition of her property. Melton said there had been 37 counts against the duplex.

Defense Attorneys Try to Block AG's Letter From Melton Trial

Shortly after Mississippi Attorney General Jim hood took the stand this morning during Mayor Frank Melton's federal civil-rights trial, defense attorneys for Melton and Recio moved to block a May 26, 2006, letter Hood sent to Melton warning him about potential gun violations. In the letter, Hood told Melton that, while Melton had a license to carry a concealed weapon, "that license does not allow you to carry such a gun everywhere" under state law.

Melton Trial Opening Statements Start Today

The federal civil-rights trial of Mayor Frank Melton and former mayoral bodyguard Michael Recio began this morning with opening statements followed by witness testimony. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood was the first witness. Melton and Recio are charged with intentionally violating Fourth Amendment rights in conjunction with a 2006 raid on a Ridgeway Street duplex. Prosecutors allege that Melton and Recio supervised the house's destruction with sledgehammers.

UPDATED: Judge Finalizes Jury For Melton Trial

After five grueling days of questioning potential jurors, Judge Dan Jordan seated 12 jurors and 3 alternates for the federal civil-rights trial of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton and his former bodyguard Michael Recio Friday afternoon.

McCoy Urges Barbour Against Cold Feet on Stimulus

Mississippi House Speaker Billy McCoy offered a public plea Thursday to Gov. Haley Barbour to accept federal money offered through a proposed congressional stimulus package worth more than $800 billion. The House is considering the package to jump-start the faltering national economy. "We're in a recession the likes of which we haven't seen for many, many years. We've been very encouraged with the stimulus package thus far, and we're appreciative of the president. But we've been very disturbed at the recent news of our governor considering not taking part of the stimulus package," McCoy said, referring to the House proposal that had not yet passed the Senate Thursday.

Paul Forster

Paul Forster is the teacher you wanted to have in high school. Among his many interests, one of his most intriguing is his desire to be an organic farmer.

Charles Evers to Interview Mayoral Hopeful Robert Johnson

See and update: Robert Johnson on Jackpedia

Union Leader Brenda Scott Announces Mayoral Run

Brenda Scott, President of the Mississippi Alliance of State Employees, threw her hat in the ring for mayor of Jackson on Monday. Speaking to Jackson Free Press yesterday, she promised to be a "common-sense mayor of the common people."

Defense Cannot Use Prostitute Allegation Against Bodyguard

See JFP Melton Blog/Archive here.

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 Begins in Melton-Recio Trial

Melton archive/blog.

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.

Harvey's Running For Mayor, Again

Former Jackson mayor Harvey Johnson announced his candidacy for mayor on Saturday. Speaking in front of the Jackson Convention Complex, Johnson pointed to achievements from his two mayoral terms.

Judge Sets Rules For 'Inflammatory' Melton Trial Evidence

A federal judge heard arguments Friday on admitting evidence in the civil rights trial of Mayor Frank Melton and his former police bodyguard, Michael Recio. Most of the five-hour hearing concerned allegations of sexual misconduct made against star prosecution witness Marcus Wright, the mayor's other former bodyguard and co-defendant.

Did Mayor Use Teen Funeral Remarks to Taint Jury Pool?

Watch WAPT report here/.

WAPT is reporting that Mayor Frank Melton ditched the proclamation he was supposed to read in deceased teen Chris Ulmer's honor; instead, he defended himself against the federal civil rights charges he faces in court next week. Melton skipped an evidentiary hearing yesterday to attend the funeral. He says in the remarks that he will present the proclamation to the family so that they can read it.

Mississippi Truth Project to Probe State's Race History

I am thrilled to share the news that a Mississippi Truth Project is officially kicking off this Saturday in Jackson. A major goal of the project is to create a Mississippi Truth Commission similar to those in Greensboro, N.C., and South Africa. Along with a diverse group of people from around Mississippi and beyond, I have attended meetings about forming the truth project in recent months, as well as served on the committee that drafted the declaration of intent (reprinted in full below). This is a very exciting effort and, I believe, one that can make Mississippi a better place for all of its residents.

Republicans Choose Black Chairman

The New York Times is reporting:

5th Circuit to Hear Paul Minor's Appeal March 30

Associated Press and Forbes are reporting:

Senate Passes Lower Cigarette Tax Increase

The Mississippi Senate approved a 49 cents per pack cigarette tax yesterday, setting the stage for a compromise with the House, which passed a $1 per pack tax two weeks ago. By a 42-7 vote, senators passed a revised version of House Bill 364 that increases Mississippi's existing cigarette tax by 31 cents, rather than the 82 cents approved by the House. The Senate bill also directs $25 million of the cigarette tax revenue toward limiting increases in the cost of car tags. Both changes cleared the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday.

Melton Police Witnesses To Appear In Court

Jackson police officers are among those scheduled to appear in court this morning at an evidentiary hearing for the federal trial of Mayor Frank Melton and his former bodyguard Michael Recio.

Gannett Earnings Drop 16% in 2008, 22% Quarter

News is grim today at the Gannett Corp., which owns The Clarion-Ledger. A company press release (PDF) reveals the news that earnings overall dropped 16 percent in 2008 and 22 percent in the last quarter alone. It is rumored that more job cuts are on their way to the Ledger, which has cut 25 percent of its positions in the last year. The paper recently dropped or combined some sections of the paper, further reducing its space for news coverage, and is banking on Metromix, an outlet of a national entertainment Web-site chain, to help make up for other losses. As the paper announced job cuts last year, it offered overtime pay to editorial staffers to go to local bars to take party pictures for the site. The publisher blames the local economy, and staffers say, is urging employees to shop more in local businesses. In recent years, The Clarion-Ledger has pushed a national ShopLocal service, which ironically heavily marketed big-box and chain retailers to local consumers. The current crisis is hitting big-box retailers hard, however, with many experts saying that local businesses, and media, are in a better position to weather the storm.

BREAKING: U.S. Attorney Dunn Lampton To Retire

U.S. Attorney Dunn Lampton, who was instrumental in bringing corruption charges against Mississippi attorney Paul Minor and former state Supreme Court Justice Oliver Diaz in 2005, has announced his retirement, effective Jan. 31. A press release (PDF, 37 KB) issued this afternoon did not specify why Lampton, 58, was leaving the federal position, but stated that Lampton will be "focusing more on continued long-term health recovery issues." A 2007 accident on his farm has required Lampton to undergo physical therapy, and he will be entering a research study at the Methodist Rehabilitation Center "designed to study and potentially improve recovery opportunities in cases involving spinal cord injury," the release states.

Habitat Builds, Dedicates Its First Home In Clinton

[Verbatim From Habitat For Humanity] HFH/MJ is proud to announce the dedication of their very first home built in Clinton on Thursday, January 29th, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. The blessing will take place on the property located at 1005 Neal Street, near Robinson Park.

Merrill "Mo" McKewen

While working as a project coordinator, events planner and/or fundraiser for more than a dozen non-profit clients, McKewen, who prefers you call her "Mo," has raised two daughters, taught at Murrah and Peeples, and volunteered for several community events.

The 2009 JFP Interview With John Horhn

John Horhn, 53, recently reclaimed his District 26 Senate for a fifth term, but now he wants to be mayor of Jackson. A self-proclaimed "lifelong resident of Jackson," and a product of Jackson Public Schools, Horhn won the then-newly created Senate seat in 1993.

Gulfport Mayor Indicted On Katrina Fraud

Gulfport Mayor Brent Warr and his wife, Laura Jean Warr, were indicted today on charges of fraud stemming from false claims the couple filed after Hurricane Katrina.

New Report Finds Health and Income Disparities Among Mississippians

A new report commissioned by the Mississippi NAACP reveals a disparity in health and income among Mississippi blacks and whites. the report, "A Portrait of Mississippi: Mississippi Human Development Report 2009," finds that while the average white Mississippian earns between $22,000 and $38,000, black Mississippians earn between $13, 000 and $25,000. Non-blacks in three county groups--Forrest and Lamar counties, Lee and Pontotoc counties, and Alcorn and Prentiss counties--the report says, also have an infant-mortality rate of more than 18 per 1,000, almost three times the national rate.

Ellington