Is the Third Time a Charm for Melton's Trial?
Rev. James Jones
Issue date: 5/4/09 Section: News
On September 5, 2006, Melton and two officers were indicted for illegally wrecking the duplex on Ridgeway Street in Jackson. He was also indicted for an illegal concealed weapon charge after carrying a sidearm into a college, school, and church. The charges included malicious mischief, house burglary, conspiracy and directing a minor to commit malicious mischief. If convicted, Melton would have to resign as Mayor and could face up to fifty years in prison. On November 5, 2006, Melton pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors for carrying a weapon into a church and a park, and no contest to a reduced chargeon what had been a felony count involving a gun onto the grounds of the Mississippi College School of Law. He was put on house arrest with an ankle bracelet for three months, given a six month suspended sentence on each count, plus one year's probation, and was fined $1,500. After the hearing, Melton accused the prosecutors of going after him for political reasons. On March 1, 2007, Melton was charged with probation violation because he continued to go on midnight raids and wearing an unofficial badge. March 7, 2007, Melton turned himself in to Hinds County authorities. April 24, 2007, Melton went on trial for felony charges stemming from the September 15, 2006 demolition of the house on Ridgeway Street. April 26, 2007, Melton was found not guilt on all charges. Melton offered the owner of the duplex $30,000 for the damages to her home and stated he had learned his lesson. July 9, 2008, Melton and his bodyguards are indicted for civil rights violations in regards to the Ridgeway Street incident. February 2, 2009, the federal civil rights trial began for the Ridgeway incident. On February 24, 2009, the trial ended in a mistrial when the jurors stated they could not arrive at a verdict. The case will be retried on May 11, 2009.
The federal government is wasting tax payers money because they have tried Melton on two occasions and by two different jurors and he has not been found guilty. In result of this, Melton should be left alone to allow him to live the remainder of his life without worrying about imprisonment. In realistic thought, will a jury find him guilty this time?
The federal government is wasting tax payers money because they have tried Melton on two occasions and by two different jurors and he has not been found guilty. In result of this, Melton should be left alone to allow him to live the remainder of his life without worrying about imprisonment. In realistic thought, will a jury find him guilty this time?
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