Defense Testimony Begins in the Melton Trial

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton

Testimony in the federal trial of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton and codefendant, police officer Michael Recio could possibly wrap up today. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Only a few more witnesses are scheduled to testify in the case that accuses Mayor Frank Melton and his former bodyguard Michael Recio of taking part in destroying a Jackson duplex. Over the past few weeks government attorneys have said the two codefendants have violated the civil rights of the home owner and tenant. But during a brief opening state yesterday defense attorney John Reeves told Jurors that (quote) "the government had produced no evidence to show that Melton acted with a bad purpose to disobey or disregard the law." He then said (quote) "All the government has shown is that Melton ordered the property to be damaged. But the government has produced no evidence to show why he did it." (end quote)

Tammy Evans, the first witness to testify on behalf of the defense swore under oath that she had first hand knowledge of illegal drug activity at the Ridgeway Street duplex. Although her time on the stand was brief the questions attorney Reeves asked her went directly to the heart of his case.
Reeves: Ms Evans were you an alcoholic at one point?
Evans: Yes
Reeves: And a drug user?
Evans: Yes
Reeves:Ms. Evans is it a fact that you knew drugs could be found at the ridgeway street house?
Evans: Yes
Reeves: Did you tell Mayor Melton that before August 26, 2006?
Evans: Yes

That story was echoed by Daniel Smith, a convicted drug felon serving time in state prison. Depending on where you were sitting in the court room you might not have been able to see the chains that wrapped his waist, wrist and ankles but you could certainly hear them. cha cha cha cha. and like Evans Smith testified that he too had told Mayor Melton repeatedly that crack cocain activity was a staple of the resident on the day in question and before.

Judge Jordan yesterday denied a motion to dismiss Melton's case and to acquit Recio. Both parties have asked him to dismiss a gun charge. He is expected to rule on that motion before the jury receives their final instructions. For MPB News, I'm Lawayne Childrey.