Got a tip last night at Fondren Unwrapped that Bob Hickingbottom is calling Melton’s supporters, and former supporters, asking them to donate money to attend what they are actually calling a “Get out of jail free” party to help with his legal fees. We’ll post more details as soon as we get them. Anyone out there heard about this, yet?
Previous Comments
Whoa…If I were they, I wouldn’t be so quick to celebrate!
#124591 | Author: Kacy | Date: Nov 17 2006
It sounded like it’s more about raising money to pay for legal fees.
#124592 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Nov 17 2006
If Melton is so wealthy, why does he need help paying for his legal fees? Was the Texas attorney present for the hearing or shall I say, clown show? I was in Savannah, GA last week and I am just returning. It’s going to take a few days to catch up on things.
#124593 | Author: justjess | Date: Nov 17 2006
The Texas attorney was in a capital murder trial in Texas. How was Savannah? My best friend lives in Hinesville, a short distance away. I expect Mr. Washington will be here for the rest of the trials though. Frank isn’t broke. This is only a ploy to drum up more support and sympathy for Mayor “Big Drawers.”
#124594 | Author: Ray Carter | Date: Nov 17 2006
Except for the charitable nature of this, it reminds me of something Don King would do. Don would take the jurors on expensive vacations after they had done the right thing and acquitted him. Jim Rome asked Don one time “how is it that yo keep beating the system over and over again.” Don replied “Jim, has it occurred to you that I may not be doing these things they keep accusing me of?” Jim said, “no, that has never occurred to me,” which caused Don to say “that’s how people get sued.”
#124595 | Author: Ray Carter | Date: Nov 17 2006
Ray Carter, Savannah was great! I had dinner at Paula Deen’s Lady and Two Sons Restaurant. I do love Southern cooking. The pathology between melton and his fans/supporters is growing by leaps and bounds. I don’t know what it is going to take to end this madness. It will probably be an ending from what we, Mississippians, are accustome to – Movement by Force. Sad but true.
#124596 | Author: justjess | Date: Nov 17 2006
Paula Deen! I’m jealous jess! A celebration!?! Lordy!
#124597 | Author: pikersam | Date: Nov 17 2006
This is an outrage and a bold slap in the face of the citizens of Jackson for that flunky Higgingbottom to beg for money to help pay legal fees for Jackson’s version of Al Capone. When Melton was running for office, I remember clearly an arguement that he had with a woman asking questions about him not paying taxes here in Jackson, and Melton fired off at her by saying that he paid more in taxes every year than she probably grossed from her job. That was a very arrogant statement to make when trying to get elected. Melton proclaimed in an article just a few months ago (I believe it was a paper in Madison) about how he is a self made millionaire. If he has been careless with his own money to the point that he has people out there begging for him, then that all the more reason that he should step down.
#124598 | Author: lance | Date: Nov 18 2006
But when you think about it, mayby that’s why the big shot lawyer from Texas didn’t show up. He (Texas hotshot) knew well enough in advance about this trial that he probably could have gotten a continuance while he worked on his other case. Mayby ole Frankie boy wanted to pay him in installments and got turned down.
#124599 | Author: lance | Date: Nov 18 2006
I don’t think Melton has the kind of money he used to, and even at the height of his wealth, people made more of it than it was. Melton was always poor compared to Bernie Ebbers, (cough). Anyway, I think I’m going to hide in the bushes and photograph everyone who goes in. (It is perfectly legal, by the way, to photograph people in public places.) I wonder how many it will be. It seems that being on probation is the new chic, or at least that’s how they’re trying to sell it. You see, we’re all in on the joke. My question is whether it will work. If you’re a businessman or a politician, Melton is a sinking stock. It’s only the true-believers lining up for the Kool-Aid now. They should make Melton recite a greatest-hits version of “The Bottom Line.”
#124600 | Author: Brian C Johnson | Date: Nov 18 2006
OK, here’s an update on the taking-a-plea celebration. Apparently, it happened the night I heard about it (Nov. 16) at the Edison Wathall and didn’t have a stellar turnout. Public officials in attendance included Councilmen Frank Bluntson, Ben Allen and Kenneth Stokes (I forgot about him). Carolyn Redd and Alice Harden, some spouses, and some local business folks were among the guests.
#124601 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Nov 21 2006
“… on the taking-a-plea celebration” ladd LOL! That is funny! Sounds like the usual Melton crew was there. Why would so many public officials go to something like this? I would think it is just best to stay away? Figures!
#124602 | Author: pikersam | Date: Nov 21 2006
This is a sick group. I can’t believe that Alice Harden was there. What has he promised her now that the deal fell through with the position he promised her earlier? These folks are going down a black brick road and the Wizard is a criminal looking for kids, kash and kool-aid (alcohol). We can do better than this!
#124603 | Author: justjess | Date: Nov 21 2006
What exactly is the deal with Ben Allen. Is he trying to stay close to the purse strings that support melton: Just in case melton has to leave office, his ducks will already be in a row????????? Hummmmm – Just thinking.
#124604 | Author: justjess | Date: Nov 21 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.
