JFP EXCLUSIVE: Evans Welch Tells His Side

sickening.

If Evans Welch was hit with a sledgehammer would that not be yet another potential felony charge?

Excellent job Adam and JFP!!

Mr. Welch should be able to go before the city council next week to testify before them, provided it's okay with his attorney.
His story should be told over and over.
Evidently, he's not the first person in this particular neighborhood to be harassed by Melton for no apparent reason.
This has been going on under the cover of darkness for several months in this neighborhood. It's about time the light was shed on Melton's atrocities.
Melton, along with those thugs, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Mr. Welch, after he wins his case against the city, will probably be able to buy a new house.

One hates to wonder how the general public will respond or react if Melton's found NOT guilty of any felonies.
Melton would be more empowered, and the general public will be more outraged. It wouldn't be a pretty sight at all.
Can someone spell National Guard?
Either way, Melton won't fare too well.

Hopefully he'll do the right thing and resign.

A schizophrenic man's home was destroyed, who's only been charged with possession of paraphernalia and contempt of court?? What's the REAL story here??!

Councilman Stokes...do you know?

This is creepy.

I am constantly in awe of what y'all are doing with a tiny budget and staff that the MSM seems incapable of doing with a much larger budget and staff.


Cheers,

TH

Even giving Melton the shadow of a doubt, knowing that eye witness testimony is unreliable, and yes, people do embelish to make their cause more compelling, this is still damning. There is at least, according to a witness, granted one that does have a motive in slanting the facts (note still trying to be totally impartial with my personal dislike of Metlton and his tactics), reason to investigate aggrevated assault, conspiracy, and I would go so far as terroristic threats carrying a stiff criminal penalty. (This is not mentioning the aggregeous civil rights violations. Along with the trespassing, assault, battery and kidnapping[or unlawful detention claims that automatically attach the claim of punitive damages, I only wish I was a practicing attorney now instead of in May).
The actions of the Mayor are simple criminal. I hope that the lucky attorney that receives this case settles with Melton personally away from his offical post to save me some cash as a tax payer.

Great job, Adam!

If the investigators are looking for physical evidence against Frank Melton, maybe they'll find some of his blood at the scene, on one of the windows he allegedly broke out.
This will undoubtedly prove that he was inside of the house "without" a court supported search warrant.

Either way it goes, Melton's in trouble.

Beyond Melton's horrible treatment of Evan Welch, there is another important part to this story that truly illuminates a lot of things that I have seen going on within those families who don't have the money to get their mentally ill children the help that they need.

Half of the mentally ill adolescents with whom I've worked have several domestic violence or petty theft charges by the time they reach eighteen. Their parents actually file these charges against them when they are "out of control" because they can't afford to put the child in the hospital. Jail is the next safest environment. Faye makes a good point about the funding for the crisis center beds. WE NEED THESE.

A schizophrenic who is not med compliant can be a dangerous person. Not due to his own fault, but due to the fact that he is not receiving the medical care he needs.

Our jail populations are crowded with people like this who have no where else to go. The structured environment is good for them. But, its not a jail cell they need, its a hospital room.

Its unfortunate that in this state its easier for the poor to get a jail cell than a hospital bed.

This is a powerful story and shows the need for our Mental Health Crisis Centers. Many mental patients are caught in the Whitfield revolving door. Law mandates their being released when they reach a certain point. They have aging parents who are worn out with their children's behavior when they quit their medication. Most will not continue to take medication for various reasons, costs, the symptoms have stopped, etc. Homelessness is part of this picture. I believe medication chould be tied to their monthly checks. I believe the State Legislature needs to better address this issue. Jackson winds up with more than its share of people who cannot control themselves without proper medication. This situation begs the need for more investigation. It is obvious Evans Welch is not an incapable person; he just needs more help than most. Certainly he will never forget this terrible incident and it will effect him for the rest of his life.

Its unfortunate that in this state its easier for the poor to get a jail cell than a hospital bed.

I think you misspelled "outrageous."

This story absolutely took my breath away. It's just so surreal.

Thanks, JFP, for rooting out the truth (again).

Best,
Tim

does anyone recall that melton apparently personally called all news outlets,sometime before 10pm that saturday night,to say that he was bleeding and was on his way to umc? can anyone supply a motive for his action in regard to placing these calls??

I read this before I went to bed last night. I'd just met with a few of my former students who watched Cowboy Frank go on his rampage at the Upper Level the same night as this horrific event. Needless to say I didn't sleep very well. Thank God Evans Welch is still here to tell his story. Thank you JFP for making sure we hear it.

Frank should be run the hell off for this, fined, sued, and locked up. The later is highly unlikely due to the hurdles of immunity, course and scope of employment, color of law, and all that kinds of crap to protect public employees. Maybe his actions will fit within the finely crafted loopholes of these protections. We will see. Hopefully, the horror of this statement would speed up the multitude of charges likely to be filed that seem so inherent in these facts.

Of course, I hope Welch was substantially truthful since he now has a statement on record that can help and hurt him. Cagy lawyers love pretrial written statements. I know of hardly anything better for cross-examination to destroy and cast doubt about a credibility.

I have my fingers crossed and hope everything will turn out right. I'm going to say right now anyway, "turn out the lights, the party is over." I sho nuff hope this is the end for Mayor Big-Pimping, Super-Hero-Crime-Fighter, Can't-Get-Right, Super-Bad, Gang-Leader, Crime-Mentor, Crime-Magnet, Action-In-Jackson, Frank-the-Scant, and most of all, the ultimate authority. I further hope that whatever deal is made with him, if any, and I expect one, includes his having to leave Jackson. Although probably neither legal or enforceable I still support that part of a deal.

Kenney, Bluntson, and Tillman, it time to give it up, or your behinds are likely next at the polls. The coroner is on the way to get the body. What else do you need to see. Whatever benefits, if any, you were receiving from Frank, you're now on your own. The tide is high, and you should move on while you still can.

So long, good-bye, Frank. I can't say I'll miss you.

I should add this sin't a statement written by Welch, but by Adam, who may have just made himself a witness in this fracas or circus, whatever is appropriate.

Chimneyville, I was watching WLBT that night and they announced that FM had personally called them at 9:15 PM while enroute to the hospital and stated that he was 'bleeding profusely from both hands'. He appeared on Monday with a bandaid on his left top wrist or forearm. Tyrone Lewis, spokesman for the City, stated that FM's injuries had not required stitches. As to "why?", take your pick.

JFP, you guys rock! Once again, you are demonstrating that JFP is far and away the premiere newspaper in Mississippi!

I'm wondering who is going to represent Frank on this? I see the city attorneys having a conflict. I know some of them, and I know they don't want to be involved in this matter at all, and that their priority would be the city, not Frank. And rightfully so.

devil's advocate time.

How credible is someone's testimony who is a diagnosed schizophrenic?

I really intend that for Ray and by credibility I mean to be asmissable in a courtroom.

Kingfish...lol....

I'll take your "diagnosed schizophrenic" and raise you one busted up home with several witnesses...

The prosecution has pocket aces while melton is holding a 5/9 off suit....

Everyone is talking about what Melton has done recently. What about what's been going on for years. I read this morning that he has over a dozen boys living in his house. Do you not have to be licensed to be a foster parent? Where are the real parents of these children? Aren't social workers supposed to visit and check on these children? Where has DHS been all this time? How can Melton be a parent to these children when he was an absent father to his own?

Understand Piker, but I was asking a specific question.

This is hard to answer, Kingfish. Mentally ill people are, to some degree, tailor-made for out-smarting, tricking, confusing, and taking advantage of. Sadly, this is why street criminal get so much mileage out of them. However, my experiences have been that they're very good at remembering and telling what they know for a fact. I have always been afraid of them because I have seen them time and time again make very good witnesses. But if I represented Frank I would gather all the evidence I could about his lack of lucidity, saneness, mental stability, and crdibility then question him about it during cross examination in hope of making him lookk illucid, not all together ot there, and uncredible/incredible/unbelievable. However, I hope all attacks on Welch backfire on Melton and his lawyers.

Boy, ole Frank has really lost it! how long wil the citizen's of Jackson allow this man to continue these atrocities and not speak up. And why does he have these boys in his home, sound's a little Michael Jacksonish to me!!

My point, Kingfish, is that unless they pursue the assault charges or the civil rights of Welch, he may not be needed. The destruction of private property and the commandeering of the youths should be enough. Also, if they have video at the Upper Level then the bulk of the investigation will shift that way. Mr. Moore was clearly shaken up by whatever happened with the mayor as seen on TV video.

But, I would think that it is worst to take advantage of a mentally ill person in the eyes of a jury or a judge than just some regular Joe drug user. I’m glad you asked, and hope to hear an answer. I would think that mentally ill persons are more protected by law in this type of case?

Also, remember, and don't discount too quickly, the fact that Melton and his entourage are expected to say Welsh is lying and to give a different account.

What would be quite interesting is whether Melton and his group have already given written statements that can be used against them in ways they didn't anticipate. Had I been Melton and his group I wouldn't have given any or many statements at all. I would wait to see what Welsh said first then respond. This is often the FBI approach. They rarely make dumb decisions that come back to haunt them.

Skilled lawyers can take advantage of people without infuriating the jury or badgering the witness. It's done all the time. A lawyer who can't do this well is worthless. Cross-examination is wide-opened in state courts. The question is whether he can withstand the attack and still tell the facts in a believable manner.

Piker, agreed. there is other evidence.

Ray, I asked that question because everyone thinks this is a slam dunk. Put Mr. Welch in a courtroom and he may not be a credible witness at all due to his mental illness. Legally can his testimony be used? Friend's mother is legally mentally incompetent and can not testify in court.

Frank may have been a little clever in picking on someone who can not testify against him in court.

All of my discussion is about the criminal case. We, or they, won't need as much evidence for the civil case as the standard of proof is different and requires less proof. Dennis Sweeet is my friend and colleague, and was only one year ahead of me at Tougaloo. He's a great lawyer and will tear Frank a new tail.

same too here Ray. I was inquiring with the criminal case in mind.

To emphasize the point Piker made regarding Welch's credibility, it's important to remember that Welch's story meshes very well with what independent witnesses have said. (These witnesses have already been interviewed by various investigative bodies.) Furthermore, we talked to Welch literally the first minute he was home, and he had come straight from jail. No one was allowed to see him in jail, and he had not had time to talk to anyone to get his story straight, etc. The fact that his account matches so well with indepedent witnesses accounts is compelling.

JFP, you guys ROCK!!! Who needs the "Clarion Liar"? Let's just hope that Mr. Welch gets the proper legal representation he deserves---giving his current state, he'll probably get screwed a second time (with a court appointed attorney) and FM will probably get a slap on the wrist and walk away a "FREE BIRD".

Good Brian. I was worried about that.

true Brian. I was just thinking out loud if he could even testify in court. I'm thinking probably not.

Who gave the order to hold Mr. Welch in jail without bond and why were attorneys and his parents not allowed to visit him? Sweet said that he had to get an "executive order" on yesterday (9/12) to see Welch. Also, where is the evidence of the drug charges and who were the officers who took Welch to the Detention Center?

Was Frank trying to give Welch a few days to heal and Adam, did you see the area on his body that "they" struck with the handle of the hammer? Today I guess I have all question but please believe that I am truly outraged!

Adam and the JFP - Smart journalistic techniques. You are so very cleaver !!!

I'll add to what Brian is saying: The "nightmare" story was written and laid out by the time we heard Evans was coming here. The intro to that story includes details have not been reported yet that come from witnesses in the neighborhood—and not a single thing that came from Evans. When he talked to Brian, Evans had not been back to the neighbornbood, nor talked to any of the eyewitnesses because he came straight from jail with Adam waiting for him.

Now, I am in no way judging the veracity of what Evans said, or saying his account is absolutely true. We can't know for sure, and Melton and his bodyguards wouldn't discuss it. Our job is to put as much information out there as possible, and let the legal system do its job of trying to figure out how it all works out criminally and civilly. We believe it is vital that victims get their say—and, too often, media don't bother to try to get their full stories. They just talk to official sources, and a witness or two. What's "balanced" about that? We want to give the *rest* of the story, and let the chips fall where they may.

Also, it is vital to read this interview in combination with the "nightmare" story to get a fuller picture of Welch and his problems. This is a tragic story no matter how you look at it.

I have a question for Mr. Stokes: What are you doing to get your people in your ward the mental serves they need!?!

Oh, and I'll go list Mr. Evans' charges at the bottom of the story above in a few minutes as promised.

And, thanks, all for the props. This staff deserves 'em!

I mean, when he talked to ADAM. I do that to them all the time. I'm becoming my mother.

"Everyone is talking about what Melton has done recently. What about what's been going on for years. I read this morning that he has over a dozen boys living in his house. Do you not have to be licensed to be a foster parent? Where are the real parents of these children? Aren't social workers supposed to visit and check on these children? Where has DHS been all this time? How can Melton be a parent to these children when he was an absent father to his own?" ---Posted by: Constituent

Can anyone recall an article the Clarion Ledger published, either in the late 80s or early 90s, that questioned Mr. Melton about rumors of paedophilia and his dealings with young boys? He laughed off the claims and said that those rumors had followed him almost all his life. Can anyone find this article --- Donna???

Well, blu, there were a whole series of articles in the early 1990s around the Youth Detention Center scandal—that suddenly stopped. This is complicated territory, but you can get up to speed on much of it by reading my April 2005 profile or Mr. Melton, and its links. Also, Melton brought these "rumors" up repeatedly in my series of interviews with him, linked to the left on the JFP MeltonBlog. There is no question that he is clearly haunted by the accusations, which is understandable, being that they were never really resolved publicly one way or the other.

I also suggest going to the library and delving into the archives of The Clarion-Ledger to see what was actually reported about Mr. Melton, Mr. Bluntson, former D.A. Peters and others—and who actually reported it. The bylines will intrigue you, considering that nary a word about, say, Mr. Bluntson's deal to resign came up during his campaign for Council. It's as if it was throw down the memory hole. A good newspaper has institutional memory; there is none at the Ledge. It's one reason they are such a bad newspaper.

Thanks for those links on FM. This paper is AWESOME! Is there any way possible that JFP could start a fund-raiser to buy out the "Clarion Liar" -- close it down? JFP should be the official paper of this city.

We are the official paper of this city. ;-) We have Jackson proudly in our name, we cover the entire city (not just the black part or the white part), and we don't sensationalize crime and twist the truth in order to please folks up in North Mississippi somewhere who hate the capitol city.

We don't need to buy out the Ledger. Let it either continue to self-destruct, credibility wise, or start being a good daily newspaper. It's up to those guys. Of course, they'd have to get corporate back in the Virginia home office to go along with it, so I wouldn't hold your breath.

I'd still like to know why a public defender was not rushing in front of a judge to get him bond. I'd love to know why Evans was held for so long. Under the law, there is no way Evans could've been held without bond under those charges.

Evans Welch's charges are now listed under the "Nightmare of Ridgeway Street" story.

Also, Kingfish, from the record it looks like they tried to hold him for 60 days on outstanding "contempt" charge, but we're still sorting it out. And I'm not sure you know what a public defender did or did not do. Hang tight.

I don't know. I'll admit it.

But no way he can be held in jail that long (60 days) either on those charges pretrial.

It looks like somebody else figured that out, too. ;-)

I should give everyone some backstory on what happened with Evans yesterday. We had been trying, trying, trying to talk to Mr. Welch with no success. We were repeatedly told that we could not visit him. Even his mother was told she could not see him. We are working on figuring out what happened on that score. Very troubling.

Anyway, on Monday, Adam had an accident. He was riding his motorcyle to the Ridgeway duplex and a car pulled out in front of him. Adam ate hood, as he puts it. So I dressed his wounds--I have a funny picture of this. The wounds were superficial, but he knocked his knee up good. Of course, Adam acted like it was no big deal.

On Tuesday morning, Adam called and said that his leg was the size of a tree trunk. This is why I covered City Council, which would usually be Adam's assignment, especially on press day. Adam spent most of the day getting x-rays and such. His leg is not broken, but he is in a knee brace.

Around 3:30 or so, I called Mrs. Welch to see if we could get a photo of Evans. To my amazement, she told me that Evans was on his way home. Considering the time crunch, there was no way Donna or I could go do the interview. So I called Adam, who had just gotten out of the clinic, and begged him to go. He happily agreed, possibly because of the pain killers they gave him.

When Adam got to the house, Evans wasn't home yet. So Adam just sat there in his car (which does not have air conditioning) for about half an hour waiting. As soon as Evans arrived, Adam did the interview. Then he drove home and sent it in. Note that we corrected a couple of minor typographic errors this morning--we REALLY did this one in a hurry.

Jaro Vacek arrived just after Adam and took the photos on virtually no notice at all.

This is how we beat the other media. We work our butts off, even when injured.

You guys are on top of your game. I'm glad that Adam's doing OK. Unlike Ben Roethlisberger, I hope he had a helmet on.

People routinely sit in county jail for days and months before a public defender gets to them, especially in cases where someone is assigned the case other than the Hinds County Public Defender Office. As I understand it, there initially has to be some processing in the city clerk's office, once the charges are written up by the officers, in order for the ball to really get roliing, then some processing in the circuit judge's office before appointments are made to outside counsel. In this case I suspect there might have been an intended breakdown by the officers filing the paperwork and in the city clerk's office althought I ain't one to spread unfounded rumors.

Adam was wearing a helmet, but it flew off when he hit the car! I told him to rethink his strap technology.

"...Adam had an accident. He was riding his motorcyle to the Ridgeway duplex and a car pulled out in front of him. Adam ate hood..."

Brian, Did you get a good look at who was driving the car that hit Adam? Sounds like one of those Mobile Command Center regulars --lying in wait to impede justice? ;)
Glad to hear Adam's okay! Get some rest Adam, take your meds, and get healed. We need you! Keep up the great work!

Oh, by the way, MSNBC's Keith Olberman (COUNTDOWN With Keith Olberman) featured Frank Melton on his "Worse Person in the World" segment several weeks ago for stopping that JPS school bus (in dangerous traffic) just to get a hug. Frank was one of the runner-ups. Does anyone recall that?

I just read on the CL site that Melton was seen this AM around 11:00 entering City Hall. Then they reported:

"Melton has dodged reporters and skipped City Council meetings. But JPD Cmdr. Tyrone Lewis, who is serving as the mayor’s spokesman, said the mayor is carrying out the duties of his office despite his public absence.

“He is focused on economic development and has been in those kind of meetings. He also is continuing his (demolition) efforts in Washington Addition,” said Lewis, who would not say when the mayor would be in the neighborhood this week."

WATCH OUT Washington Addition!! Looks like the Mayor's on his way!!

Let me clear up something before I take a leave for a while, since I started this mess. That statement Welch gave probably has little chance of hurting him except as possible rebuttal if he says something different later in court or denies ever making it. If he does this Adam might get called as a witness to rebut him. And the debated or disputed content would have to be relevant to the issues of the case. In a criminal case, in order for the statement to be admissible in court against Welch it would have had to be given to a law enforcement person with Welch's miranda rights having been read, understood, explained, and a waiver of his right to remain silent first, or given in court under oath with cross examination.

I don't like to play lawyer on here because doing so requires accuracy and cerebration. I prefer to play a flip-moutherd comedian which requires no accuracy or cognition. he, he.

Besides Welch didn't say anything in the statement against his interest that I read. A statement against interest is one of the exceptions to the hearsay rule- any statement made out of court not under oath and not subject to cross-examination meant to prove the truth of the matter asserted.

Since I'm clarifying, a statement against interest can be made to a non- police or police investigator or representative which is the reason we tell our clients to never talk to any one about the facts except us. A typical and all to often example is a snitch, a person who befriends a peson and get them to admit guilt to a crime, and then informs the police of the admission before showing up at court to testify. Often this is done by people who are seeking ways to get out of jail early.

Ray, you continue to be my favorite blogger!!! ;-)....however angiebee is running a close second with that "Micheal Jacksonish" comment! Outstanding.

Donna I appreciate this comment as well...."All quotes in this story Copyright 2006 Jackson Free Press. Any use of these quotes must directly attribute the Jackson Free Press and Adam Lynch." ....Let's see how they take that one!

Now, back to the subject at hand....Mr. Frank....I am more concerned now with all these new developments, Mr. Stokes, do you have a position on any of this. WHy am I left with the feeling that he's just a puppet being used by Melton for whatever reason. It's almost like he is rolling over. I mean Kenneth if you support Franks actions in "tearing down drug houses", then why haven't you "bulldozed" them down before now? How long have you "owned" your ward? Surely if you thought that drug houses presented a bad eliment in your community then you didn't need Cowboy Frank to tell you that, did you? Nor did you need him to tear them down, right?

Do yall actually think that fella will step down, resign....? I've been having this discussion with my peers, black/white alike and most think he will slide right by with a slap on the wrist. I tell you, if the City Cousil, Atty General, etc... AND the people of the great city let that happen, then we really don't stand a chance to make this city what it should be. And I completely agree with McClemore when he said had Frank been a white man, he'd be over and done with by now. Just because he's black people think he has to be doing what he thinks is right for his people. But contrarily this mans agenda has nothing to do with this city. He just wants to show off his authority and thus beat up on those who have tremendous odds stacked against them. Just like the neighborhood bully.

I've been checking out the link info that Ladd posted on this blog at 11:18 AM. She was responding to blu_n_a_redstate about previous allegations that Melton had molested his 'boys'. I also found LOTS of interesting info about Blunston. Like I said before, I've allowed my self to be ignorant in the past, but I'm trying to catch up.

JFP article from 1994 (I think it's 1994. I forgot to write that part down.)
Headline: ONE JAIL'S TALE In the Deep South rape charges unearth a system in disarray
Here's an excerpt:

The highlights of the police investigation include:

Statements from victims and witnesses and the confession of a guard detailing the multiple rapes of 15 and 16-year-old female inmates in the juvenile detention facility. Police also discovered evidence they said indicated theft, extortion and corruption. Three guards were arrested by police in November, 1992, on sex charges and a fourth on larceny charges two months later. Hinds County District Attorney Ed Peters has failed to institute any court proceedings against the first three defendants and dropped charges against the fourth without consulting police.

Police obtained statements from janitors who contended that the head of the jail, Frank Bluntson, had ordered jail employees to do private work for him while on the city payroll. Police say that Peters refused to entertain their criminal complaint. Peters subsequently hired Bluntson as a confidential investigator in the district attorney's office.

Joseph Jackson, special agent in charge of the state's FBI operations, refused to give investigative assistance to local authorities for nine months and took the unusual step of airing his complaints against the police chief in the press. After Jackson was ordered by Washington FBI officials to cooperate, police sent Jackson copies of police files. Included were complaints by two juvenile male prisoners who said they had been sexually molested while under the foster care of Frank Melton, a local television station owner.

Ten days after police sent that report to the FBI office, Jackson announced he would retire and accept an executive job with Melton.

Jackson told Newsday that he "didn't need to" investigate the allegations against Melton before taking the job because he had previously checked similar rumors and believed they weren't true.
The source of the police complaints were two accused juvenile criminals, who made the statements to police after they were arrested themselves. Both of those complainants have since been murdered in what appear to be drug-related shootings.

Brian Johnson ministers to Adam Lynch's cut hands minutes after a motorcycle accident. Adam's worst injury was to a knee.

Wonder if those murder charges were looked into anymore closely than the rape and molestation charges? JUST wondering..not accusing.

I notice that Brian is wearing rubber gloves in that photo. I'm assuming Adam's prostate was thoroughly checked for injury

JAR-I'm with you on those "murder" charges. Sounds a bit too clean and easy, huh?

JAR, it is so much fun to see people get up to speed on Melton! You enjoy the history lessons!

However, we shouldn't sidetrack ourselves too much. Those who ignored the past, and skewed the present, to get Melton elected are the ones who need to soul search, look in the mirror, and reconcile their motives. They made the deal with the devil fully knowing the "trouble" that followed Melton! The time is now, the mistakes are evident, and we need to wrap this sucker up! The only Elvis analogy I want in Melton is "Ladies and Gentlemen, Melton has left the City!"

BTW: Did Adam call WLBT to inform them he was in an accident and was injured? ;-)

Legal questions:

1. How is it legal for non-police personnel to ride a police vehicle on police business? Legality and liability?????

2. How is it legal for someone to bash in a home because he believes it to be a "crack house" without legal authority? Is this "breaking and entering?" What about the non-police folks involved?

3. How is it legal for someone to have 16 unrelated residents in a house? The housing authority says 10 folks with 5 bedrooms, 12 folks with 6 bedrooms. Does Frank have at least 9 bedrooms in his house?

If I lived in his neighborhood, I would complain to the housing authority.

Just a few of my musings.

HDMatthias, MD

pikersam, you're absolutely right. This is no time to get sidetracked. The thing that struck me about my little bit of research, though, was how expertly things seemed to have been covered up, and swept under the rug!! Early on, I was really afraid that was going to happen with this story, because it took so long for most of the media to cover it....JFP majorly excluded!

This scares me. It makes me think that it could be possible for Mayor 'Meltdown' to get away with it this time, too. Oh, please NO!! I don't think he'll get off civilly, but I'm worried about him being held accountable criminally.

ANYWAY, just heard on the news that McMillan plans to have his investigation wrapped up by Fri afternoon. The AG and Peterson had no commit about their investigations.

I don't know much HD, but I think it's ok to occasionally roll with the police or Frank and his entourage without subjecting yourself or the city to liability providing you do nothing to carry out the police work. Ladd and Johnson successfully did this once.

There is a legal process to forfeiting real and personal property even when it's proven to be obtained as a result of drugs or purchased by drug money. There is also a legal process to demolishing a house. Frank and he city council know this. It wasn't legal what the x-mayor and his boys did. We will see what comes of it.

I know nothing of housing authority rules, but I bet they don't mean anything to the x-ultimate authority. He's surely above that.

HD, what with that letter about keeping a certain judge? The City of Jackson needs him gone. We need him like we need Frank. At least he's quiet though, unlike the x-mayor.

WJTV interviewed Evans' father at 5:00. Evans is currently staying with his parents because...oh, yeah...he has no home to go home to.

Evans' dad said he couldn't believe that his son was a dealer. He lives on a monthly check, I'm guessing an SSI check for mental disability, and he's always asking his Momma for money. Mr. Welch said that the day of the incident, Evans had asked his mother if he could have a couple of dollars.

If Evans Welch is a drug dealer, he must be awfully piss poor at it! (Hope it's OK to use that word)

That is a real fear JAR. There are a few judges that would twist the system to make sure he got off! Meltonites brag of one in particular...

What is really sad is watching the true colors of some people show up. There are so many people claiming they are going to leave and Jackson will fail. Kim Wade just told some dude to stop reading Beckwith propaganda. Racism is clearly at the root of many vocal supporters of Melton. Some don't even know how stupid and racist they sound.

Leave, go away and move out of Jackson. Take your toys and go play in your own sand. People who want a city for all people will step up and take us in the direction we need to go. It will be hard and won't be perfect. But, it sure as hell will be better then the crap going on now!

The Clarion Ledger is reporting prominent business men of Jackson have met with Crisler regarding being the mayor. Lots of folks who are keeping quiet know Frank has torned his drawers with his ass still in them. Good-bye, Frank.

Pikersam, I heard those repugnant comments on Wade's show, and there is no doubt that a segment of Melton's support even now comes from the Byron Beckwith/David Duke "hang em all" racist mentality. But I also want to believe that some of that support is breaking down among the white people who duped themselves into thinking Melton could solve the crime problem in 'Da Hood but now realize that he was really just appealing to their base prejudices about poor black people, and they are now trying to pull themselves out of the muck Melton has dragged Jackson into. Honest people of good will have to admit that this man has done nothing for Jackson but bring a spirit of discord and division to the City.

I think Crisler would be an excellent choice for interim Mayor. I also like Dr. Mc and Barrett-Simon. I'm not so keen on Ben Allen right now. I still don't appreciate his flip flopping.

I also think Ben is a bit fresh off of his talk-show radio to be at the helm of Jackson. He's started changing his tune, and widening his focus, but I don't think he's ready to represent more than just Ward 1 just yet, although perhaps he will be at some point.

One thing: It's funny to me that no one seems to mention Barrett-Simon as a choice. We're not detecting a bit of sexism, are we? She would make much more sense than Ben Allen, based on her own history (and that, as far as I know, she has never participated in a radio talk show that spewed thinly disguised race rhetoric in order to sensationalize crime).

I don't know if she'd want to do it, but why in hell isn't she on the short list for folks? This town could use a woman mayor.

Having Allen as interim Mayor doesn't bother me at all. Ben knows he and Margaret are unelectable, so he wouldn't waste his time posturing like someone who plans to run for permanent office. Crisler will probably be pushed to run even if he is being coy about it now, and it will be interesting to see if he and Harvey end up running against each other.

Good point, ejeff. An interim spot would make most sense for him at this point.

I should also point out that my thoughts are really more about him being ready to elected as mayor of Jackson, and serve for four years, not so much about being interim mayor. He's worked very hard to keep things together during Melton's administration and deserves credit for that.

Even in the interim spot, I'm not convinced that I want a flip flopper in office. I don't think that Ben Allen's a bad guy, but my trust in him has been shaken.

I agree, Ladd, that Barrett-Simon, the most immediately in-sensed and outspoken about Ridgeway/Melton, should be a BIG contender for the job...both interim and permanently. I too, don't know that she'd be interested, but let's not forget that she was the 1st one to make a statement to the TV news stations voicing her concerns. She was also the one that walked out of last week's Council meeting 'in disgust' after Ben Allen's swing vote was the deciding factor in the Council's decision not to investigate.

I still think that Crisler and Dr. Mc (providing Dr. Mc would be interested) would be fine choices. But, I don't think that Barrett-Simon should be counted out. After all, she was the 1st person on the Council to really take a public stand...and she's never backed down!

She was also the one to shoot down Stokes at this week's Council meeting when he wanted to talk about an ordinance to bulldoze 'alleged crack houses'. She said she thought the timing was very inappropriate.

Ben probably knew about the investigations and other stuff going on and wanted to see what they were doing.

Case in point. You DO remember Iran Contra when several convictions were overturned because of immunity given to people when they testified before COngress? Or the downfall of the Roman Republic when the Senate started criminalizing its political opponents? Ben is probably uncomfortable with the council going after the mayor, especially if there are ongoing investigations for reasons I've stated and more.

If Ben was uncomfortable, why weren't Crisler, Dr. Mc and Barrett-Simon?

Educate me, honestly. Would the President of the Council be privy to info that the rest of the Council's not aware of?

Since people are speaking of potential mayors, and people are throwing out Marshand's name, no one has mentioned Marshand's ridiculous attempt at scoring political points about the budget. He didn't attend the meetings about the budget he attempted to criticize (although he was, of course, supposed to). Granted, it would have been easier to meet with colleagues about budget differences and smooth them out. But that would mean no cameras. So what did he do (camera or work?)? He goes for the cameras; he proceeds to critize the budget in front of the cameras after skipping the meetings off camera. When he's challenged on his ridiculous critique, he's asked to meet with council members to smooth out differences (after he should have done so on his own) . Since he doesn't have a retort to that one (such as that I honestly want to address problems by meeting with you), he makes up a story about how he just found out about the budget. Please. All the council members laugh - even Kenny.

Well its safe to assume from MAllens post that Melton is toast. Why else would he drop in to disparage a potential candidate for mayor if that person wasn't going to be able to run for mayor? Hmmm....

Pikersam: You have an understandable read of my post - but don't read too much into that post. You are off the mark. My post is, if anything, directed towards a person who is running when running is anything but a definite. He just can't wait to get out of those starting blocks he wants it so bad. And the whistle isn't even close to being blown yet.

I guess I missed understood Councilman Allen when he said on his show that he would like to be mayor? (yes i know he said he was un-electable - i disagree) Then you had Larry call in to Kim Wade to have a "Ben for Mayor" love fest yesterday. He also has a "hatred" for Crisler in the same vein when he says "a certain council member just flat out hates Melton" on his radio show, repeated by Larry later in the same week! Last week! Hmmm.... And last week wasn't the first time Ben or Larry has taken a poke at "Mayor Lite." You are welcome to send the tapes over to the JFP if you like.

H. Johnson got on the news yesterday saying he wants to be mayor. No disparaging words for him? Crisler's only statement is about some dinner he had where they talked, that came out today. All kinds of rumors are flying, and the news people have to have news to report! So, surprisingly your comments seem a bit "timed."

When Melton was elected was the time to start running for mayor of Jackson. Those who kept their eyes open before the election are not surprised we are where we are today. Looks like Crisler, McLemore and Simon were ahead of the pack when it came to recognizing the damage Melton could do to Jackson.

Look at it this way, if Melton does resign, and we have a race, then you will have been the first one to take the campaign negative.

This was part of the AP story today:

"I personally enjoy a great relationship with our mayor, but I'm looking out for the best interest of the city," Allen said Wednesday.

Council member Margaret Barrett Simon also wants a quick resolution.

"If the allegations prove to have substance, which I think they do, I believe it would be in the best interest of the city for him to resign," Simon said.

Sorry, Ben, but I don't think I'd be enjoying a 'great relationship' with ANYONE that's been accused of such heinous crimes, that you yourself NOW think should be looked into.

Barrett-Simon has a backbone, including when it comes to the Associated Press.

Ben, if I were ever invited to a dinner party at your house...which I'm sure I never would be...I'm afraid that your guests might hit me with a sledgehammer.

I don't necessarily think you're a bad guy, BUT I don't understand where you're coming from. From the AP report, you still seem to be a bit on the fence. How is that possible?

Haven't read any blogs from you since LAST week's Council meeting. Keeping silent is OK, but you had something to say to the AP TODAY!

I KNOW, pikersam, that we need to focus on the issues at hand, but...damn... this comes from a little more research re: Melton and Bluntson... It was largely ignored in the mid-90's, but I think it should be revisited now!! From archival JFP Melton coverage:


"Rumors and Allegations
In the interviews, Melton brings up accusations brought against him by former Police Chief Jimmy Wilson of sexual molestation and possibly murder of two young men. Melton first mentioned these allegations to the JFP in March 2005, saying that that are the source of rumors about him in the community.

In 1993, after allegations of corruption and rape at the Hinds County Juvenile Detention Center emerged, Wilson appointed investigators to look into the allegations. Soon after, he started urging the FBI to join in the investigation because, he said then, “prominent” people in the community were involved.

On Aug. 23, 1993, Wilson wrote a letter to local FBI Agent Joseph J. Jackson, urging him to investigate the allegations. In a five-page report attached to the letter, Wilson detailed the investigation, which among other accusations, discussed then-Detention Center Manager Frank Bluntson’s “administrative violations,” sexual harassment allegations, sexual abuse of minors in the center and a bribery scheme. During the controversy, Bluntson made a deal with then-District Attorney Ed Peters not to be prosecuted if he would resign—and then went to work for Peters as an investigator.

Wilson also alleges that young boys “complained they were sexually molested by Melton after they were placed in his custody by youth court judges and Bluntson,” adding, “Melton was not a certified foster parent.” He also said that two of the young men had been killed. Those two young men are Robert Shepherd and Joseph Staffney, both of whom Melton discusses in this interview.

Agent Jackson soon resigned and went to work for Melton at WLBT as his No. 2 man. After the report was mailed to media outlets in a plain brown envelope, Melton told The Clarion-Ledger that he would hire the highest-paid lawyer in America to sue anyone who disseminated the allegations. They soon disappeared from local news reports, although Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Jim Mulvaney, then of Newsday, investigated the story in 1994, finding no resolution one way or the other."

Mama, Mama, Mama, how long has this stuff been going on?! And who, besides Melton, should be prosecuted??

From a JFP archival story:

"Rumors and Allegations
In the interviews, Melton brings up accusations brought against him by former Police Chief Jimmy Wilson of sexual molestation and possibly murder of two young men"

Oh, S**T! The former Police Chief, who was run out of town, thought that Melton not only could have been involved with child molestation, but the murder of his accusers??!

This is CRAZINESS. Jennifer Sutton, Evans Welch, and their families need to be kept SAFE.

This old article helps to define then Police Chief Wilson's credibility. Let's also take into consideration the credibility of Melton's current supporters. ..The VERY questionable Bluntson, the, I believe to be, slanderous Stokes, and Tillman, who I can hardly understand, one way or the other, in Council meetings.



"Jimmy Wilson came here to take over the police department in February, 1992. He was hired by Mayor Kane Ditto to fulfill a campaign promise to hire a black chief. There was some resentment of him as an outsider, and because his salary of $ 74,000 made him the highest-paid cop in the state. But he had an impressive resume: a Washington cop for 26 years, he had been the acting chief and headed the homicide squad, handling investigations ranging from the shooting of President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley, to the Air Florida crash, to the cocaine exploits of Mayor Marion Barry. During his first eight months in Jackson, Wilson forged strong ties with black political leaders. He said he was overcoming initial resistance in the white community, and his original 16-month job commitment was replaced by a four-year contract.

JAR-I'm with you on those "murder" charges. Sounds a bit too clean and easy, huh?



Posted by: Ali Greggs on Sep 13, 06 | 4:03 pm

Damn, Ali, I was just making some broad speculation til I did a little more research. Who knows what the REAL story is?

But, I think the past can have some relevance here.

I personally wouldn't trust a child of mine to be under Melton's roof for a second!

pikersam, I soo understand your point, but this stuff from the past is too intriguing for me to ignore. I can't BELIEVE all this past history stuff... and I got all of it from JFP info:

"Melton said at a breakfast March 14 that he first tried to attend a military college in Texas. “But they didn’t let me be a general, so I transferred,” he quipped.

He ended up at Stephen F. Austin University in Houston, where he has said he worked his way through college, by working in the dorms at a nearby school for the mentally disabled."

He worked his way through college caring for the mentally disabled??

AHHHHHH! I hope that all of those disabled people are still OK.

I hope the boys in his home are all OK, too





I hope the boys in his home are all OK, too.

This came from a WLBT report on 9-13:

"I am not condoning what he has done or what he has been accused of doing. I think there is enough people here [that support Melton] that they would not convict him no matter what the indictment is," said Evers.

Evers also told the mayor to avoid cutting deals with authorities.

"Don't cut deals. Then you are admitting that you were wrong," said Evers.

"I can't name names, but I can tell you that a lot of people are telling him to stay the course," said Ward 4 Councilman Frank Bluntson.

Bluntson speaks with the mayor almost every day. He said speculation that the mayor will resign is unfounded.

I think there is enough people here [that support Melton] that they would not convict him no matter what the indictment is," said Evers.


Mama, Mama, Mama!!!!

I, too, am inclined to believe there is an excellent chance Melton can't be convicted with half of Jackson possibly still supporting him. I can easily see a hung jury verdict.

Ray, I just have to believe that the 'on-line polls' for the Clarion-Ledger and the TV stations are skewed. People know how to manipulate the counters or are able to vote multiple times. If a true poll were taken of LIKELY VOTERS as to Melton's ability to run Jackson, I think you would see a far different result. The jury pool would be of registered voters who could serve; a different demographic from the on-line pollers.

I hope you're right, Chris. But I'm worried half of Jackson is dumb and crazy too for still possibly supporting Melton.

Also, Mallen, if you're going to come on here and trash one the potential mayoral candidates, you ought to mention that you're the son of another one. Just sayin. Play this one straight.

Ladd, I understand where you are coming from, but I slightly disagree. One, Ben isn't a mayoral canditate to my knowledge. If he were and I was speaking about other candidates, I would, perhaps and on occassion, openly state the relationship (although I think most posters here realize it). Otherwise I think I ought to be able to chime in without stating anything. I've got my own opinions, too. For me to have to continually disclose a relationship would be to essentially assume I'm a mouthpiece. If people want to assume I'm a mouthpiece I can't do anything about that - people are free to think what they wish. But, I think, I should just be any other poster for the most part. Even when talking about other council members. People can, of course, consider that I have a relationship to a council person. And I would think it would be fair to do so. BTW, Piker, as have many posters, above incorrectly associated me with the radio show. I don't even listen to it. I know he didn't know that - but anyway.

I'll play straight, or at least do my best to try to. But I don't think I have to make a front end disclosure each and every time I post about city politics. I'm betting that some of the posters here have major ties to someone/some entity in Jackson. Some might even have relationships, like me. I'm betting a lot that one is even a close business associate of a certain former big official in Jackson. But they post anonymously. I've chosen not to. They don't have to disclose their "biases" - neither should I. Readers can draw their own conclusion. If Ben runs, probably a different deal.

Ok here is the news about Melton cancelling his press conference from WAPT...

Money qutoes:

Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin said there are felony charges that the grand jury needs to consider for possible indictment.

and...

On advice from his attorney, Mayor Melton has cancelled a 3 p.m. newsconference

Very interesting!!!!

Does anyone remember the story of "CUJO" The dog that was bitten by a rabbit, I think, he became a terrorist and killed kidsd in the community. I just can't remember but my point is this:
MEOTON IS WEARING A CUJO CAP. pLEASE LET ME KNOW THE STORY OF CUJO!

I saw the movie, justjess. That dog was kicking tail. I also saw Melton with that cap on. If I were the DA I sho' would find a way to get that picture into evidence, and would then leave it on the big scream the whole trial until and unless I was forced to remove it.

"Plot Outline: A friendly St. Bernard named "Cujo" contracts rabies and conducts a reign of terror on a small American town."

Sound Familiar??

CUJO is also the name of the Currie Johnson law firm's co-ed softball team. Oooo, now you should all be scared.

Got the following and the above quote from imdb.com

Tag line for Steven King's horror film 'Cujo':

"Now there's a name for terror...who let the dog out"

You guys are wonderful.
THANKS!

Alright, now. Brian and Adam just got a beautiful bouquet of roses from one of you dedicated folks. Oh, what a week. Thanks on their behalf. ;-)