The Clarion-Ledger is reporting the latest chapter in “As the City Spins”:
kson Mayor Frank Melton has tapped a former Justice Court judge removed from the bench over sexual harassment complaints to head the city’s Community Improvement Division. Former Hinds County Justice Court Judge Joe Lewis has replaced Herman Taylor, who has been moved to court services. Lewis, who had worked as a code enforcement officer in south Jackson since August, said he took over Community Improvement a week ago today. His salary was unavailable. “I had no idea,”Lewis said. “I was utterly surprised.” Lewis said he did not apply for the job and was notified by phone that he had been chosen.
“I know it was going to be a challenge, but, of course, I was honored to be selected,” Lewis said.
City spokesman Tyrone Lewis, who is unrelated to Joe Lewis, said the mayor picked Joe Lewis because he “has that passion.”
“Passion”? You really can’t make this stuff up.
Previous Comments
Here’s something from The Clarion-Ledger archives about Judge Lewis that they didn’t mention in their story today: Hinds County Justice Court Judge Joe Lewis should be publicly reprimanded for judicial misconduct, according to findings by the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance.The commission will recommend the state Supreme Court take the disciplinary action against Lewis because of communication deemed improper that he had with enforcement agents in cases filed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Mississippi Tax Commission.The commission also found what it termed “irregularities” in Lewis’ actions of remanding, or sending back, cases without a hearing. […] This is the second time Lewis has been before the judicial commission.Lewis was privately admonished in 1999, according to Monday’s finding, for another unnamed incident which is not open for public inspection.In the latest complaint, the commission launched an investigation nearly 10 months ago into charges filed by the ABC and held a hearing behind closed doors. Afterward, the commission found that Lewis engaged in improper ex parte communication in cases filed by the ABC.” […] In those cases the commission investigated, Lewis reportedly met with ABC agents regarding three separate cases the agency had filed between 1996 and 1999.Shortly thereafter, two of the cases were remanded while no action was taken in the third case. One-sided communications occur all the time, Lewis said, adding that agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics were in his office Monday getting affidavits and warrants signed against those arrested Friday at the Widespread Panic concert at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. […] Lewis said the charges were probably filed by agents who didn’t get their way. He said one agent, whom he would not identify, probably filed charges against him when the judge failed to sign the warrant he sought because the warrant was improper.A complaint can be made “if you don’t do things their way,” Lewis said.”Let them run with it,” Lewis said. “I will accept whatever the Supreme Court finds.”If the court agrees with the commission’s action, Lewis can face a public reprimand and a fine of $572.01.In addition, Lewis must agree to excuse himself from certain ABC cases. I haven’t found the outcome of this, yet …
#124890 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Dec 14 2006
I guess Melton’s M.O. for any man with a criminal history is to give him a job. However, when does the real reform begin? Lewis has only worked for the city for a few months. Why choose him so soon, and can Melton just pick someone without talking to the City Council? I would like to know the result of that case as well.
#124891 | Author: LatashaWillis | Date: Dec 14 2006
How does one going about getting a job that he/she has not applied for? I wonder who did *in fact* apply and did not get the “job.” Might be interesting to ask around and find out.
#124892 | Author: LawClerk | Date: Dec 14 2006
Another question: what is Melton’s definition of “passion”?
#124893 | Author: LatashaWillis | Date: Dec 14 2006
Hopefully not the same as Lewis’s.
#124894 | Author: Kingfish | Date: Dec 14 2006
“”Another question: what is Melton’s definition of “passion”?”” I fear we do not want a definition….
#124895 | Author: LawClerk | Date: Dec 14 2006
My GMother said: “One bad apple spoils the whole barrel.” Since the barrel is already spoiled, adding another rotten apple won’t matter. Think about it.
#124896 | Author: justjess | Date: Dec 14 2006
My GMother said: “One bad apple spoils the whole barrel.” Since the barrel is already spoiled, adding another rotten apple won’t matter. Yep, I think it’s time for a new barrel of fresh apples.
#124897 | Author: LatashaWillis | Date: Dec 14 2006
My Gmother said: “One bad apple spoils the whole barrel.” Since the barrel is already spoiled, it won’t matter that one more rotten apple has been added to the bunch.
#124898 | Author: justjess | Date: Dec 14 2006
You know this City had done a good job of weeding out many of the bad eggs throughout the area during the late 90’s. Bad Councilmen, police and others were exposed and castigated. The past administration may not have had the “best of the best” in every position; but, they were honest and put the interest of the City first unlike many of the characters Melton has hired (i.e. SORE). Now we keep seeing these unsavory “blast from the past” again in the Melton administration. It just goes to show that the people didn’t know what they were voting for when they voted for Frank. And, that goes double for the NEJax voters who voted for Melton.
#124899 | Author: pikersam | Date: Dec 14 2006
Who am I? T.I.? Sorry couldn’t resist:-)
#124900 | Author: Big Tee | Date: Dec 14 2006
Seriously, I would have to agree with everyone here…Frank and this city has issues! Moreover, Frank doesn’t help (not that he is trying) his cause by selecting/associating himself around persons with suspect pasts and/or agendas.
#124901 | Author: Big Tee | Date: Dec 14 2006
You get the feeling that *loyalty* is the most important job qualification when it comes to who Mr. Melton hires. The same went for the Bush administration, and you see where that’s gotten us. Loyalty is fine, but not the deaf, dumb and blind sort loyalty that these men seem to demand.
#124902 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Dec 14 2006
I don’t think loyalty is the main quality. I think the ability to be used.
#124903 | Author: Kingfish | Date: Dec 15 2006
I’ve ’bout decided FM knows more criminals than Chris Epps and consistently picks those with unsavory pasts. Does this perhaps indicate a need to feel superior to some?
#124904 | Author: ChrisCavanaugh | Date: Dec 15 2006
Maybe Frankie could give Bernie Ebbers a job as city treasurer.
#124905 | Author: Cliff Cargill | Date: Dec 16 2006
I guess anytime a spouse/father traded the child-rearing of his “own” to raise someone else’s problem kids, then chosing criminal (both past and present) to work in your administration is not a far leap or a suprise. Birds of a feather just sort of stick together.
#124906 | Author: justjess | Date: Dec 18 2006
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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.
