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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
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A Laurel newspaper will close its doors this Thursday. Credit: File Photo

Jackson City Council President Dr. Leslie McLemore has confirmed that former Community Improvement Division Code Enforcement head Joe Lewis left his city job as of last Friday to pursue the Ward 6 Council seat currently held by Marshand Crisler. Crisler is running for the mayorโ€™s office.

Code Services also confirmed Lewisโ€™ departure; however, the Jackson Free Press could not reach Lewis for comment. In the recent federal trial against Mayor Frank Melton, Lewis testified for the prosecution, saying that Melton did not go through the proper channels to demolish the duplex at 1305 Ridgeway St. in 2006.

More as the story develops.

Previous Comments

Hmmmm…..Didn’t he testify for the prosecution in the recent Melton Trial?


“In the recent federal trial against Mayor Frank Melton, Lewis testified for the prosecution…” Hope that answers your question.

Ronni Mott, award-winning writer, talented artist and peace-loving yogi, whose beautiful soul left us on February 2. She was 64.