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Law Offices of John R. Reeves, PC in Jackson, MS is proud to announce that it is now an approved law firm under Hyatt Legal Plans.

John Reeves, the attorney for Jackson Mayor Frank Melton, is questioned by media as he enters the courthouse Saturday morning. (Chris Todd/The Clarion-Ledger)

Jurors in the federal civil rights trial of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton and former bodyguard Michael Recio have been released until Monday after spending more than five hours today at the courthouse without deliberating.

U.S. District Judge Dan Jordan said the day was spent dealing with an “issue” that required him to interview each juror individually. He did not elaborate.
He said lawyers for both sides have until Monday to file motions.

Before releasing the jurors, Jordan repeated his standard warning not to discuss the trial with anyone and to stay away from media reports.

The defendants, defense attorneys and prosecutors have been in Jordan’s chambers all day.

During a brief break, Melton’s attorney, John Reeves, said he could not discuss what was going on.

“It’s going to be a lot longer. A lot longer. It could be days,” Reeves said.

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John Reeves gave an impassioned plea for jurors not to yield to pressure from some on the panel who want to convict Mayor Frank Melton and bring an end to his trial for damaging a Ridgeway Street house.

“You have promised to stand by your convictions,” the mayor’s defense attorney said in closing arguments. “It’s your sworn oath to vote not guilty even if 11 other people go the other way. Ladies and gentlemen, Frank Melton’s life is in your hands.”

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Jackson Mayor Frank Melton (left) arrives with attorney John Reeves at the federal courthouse in Jackson on Monday for jury selection in his trial on civil rights charges. (Barbara Gauntt/The Clarion-Ledger)

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton held his chin high, rubbed his eyes, smiled when potential jurors described their hobbies to the judge, and frequently studied his fingernails. Melton, 59, appeared relaxed and attentive in federal court in downtown Jackson on Monday, often scrutinizing the faces of those who could decide whether he goes to prison.

The mayor and co-defendant Michael Recio, one of Melton’s former police bodyguards, face civil rights charges related to the raid and damage to a northwest Jackson duplex in 2006. Jury selection began Monday morning, with 30 potential jurors culled from a panel of about 95 during a process expected to run into Thursday, according to U.S. District Judge Dan Jordan. Throughout the day, only a handful of spectators ventured into the courtroom – among them Canton Assistant Police Chief Bracy Coleman, who served three years as Jackson’s chief until 2001.

“I’m here to support (Recio and Melton),” said Coleman, whom Melton considered naming police chief in late 2007 as a replacement for Shirlene Anderson. “I’ve known both of them for a long time,” Coleman said. Wearing a dark suit, tie and eyeglasses, Melton’s demeanor during Monday’s early going often matched that of the courtroom atmosphere, which smacked of a waiting room where patients awaited the results of their blood tests. The mood had thawed a bit by afternoon, with the bulk of the drama being staged outside on the steps of the courthouse.

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Melton says he will tap former state Rep. John Reeves as the replacement for Municipal Court Judge Melvin Priester. Melton pulls the nomination, and council members grant his wish to put Reeves instead on the city’s redevelopment authority. Melton later Read more