Pubdate: Wed, 27 Aug 2003
Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS)
Copyright: 2003 The Clarion-Ledger
Contact: http://www.clarionledger.com/about/letters.html
Website: http://www.clarionledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/805
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Frank+Melton

MELTON

Action, Not Words, More Effective

Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Director Frank Melton's pretty good at shooting
from the lip, but his selective aim is a bit off -- now landing him in federal
court.

Last week, Melton basked in the limelight over a drug bust on Cohea Street in
Jackson, with dramatic accusations, including saying a lawyer was involved and
that other "downtown Jackson professionals" would be arrested.

He refused to name names to go with his accusations.

In the drug bust, which Melton called the Cohea Street drug gang, 18 people
were arrested, Melton said, but he would not release their names either.
(Incredibly, he says it's MBN policy not to reveal names of those arrested out
of concern for their families.)

Now, Jackson lawyer Cynthia Stewart has filed court papers claiming Melton is
interfering with her representing one of the defendants, alleging "irreparable
harm from the threat of imminent arrest, business interruptions and damages to
her reputation and good will." A hearing is set Friday before U.S. District
Judge William Barbour.

MBN's actions should speak louder than Melton's words. The public would be
better served if the bureau focused on arrests and convictions in a
professional manner and let its -- open! -- record speak for itself.
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