[C-L]Taxpayers to pay for Melton’s trial expenses?
According to the Clarion Ledger, the city attorney’s office maintains that Jackson taxpayers are responsible for reimbursing Frank Melton for the money he spent on legal fees during his trial. However, the City Council must approve the decision to make taxpayers pay for these costs. Melton was charged with felony malicious mischief, conspiracy, burglary and directing a minor to commit a felony but was found not guilty on all charges.
The trial cost taxpayers more than $18,000. The county spent $12,240.92 to feed and house the jury, Circuit Clerk Barbara Dunn calculated. Special Judge Joe Webster submitted about $4,200 in expenses to the state Supreme Court. The retired judge from Clarksdale was tapped to hear the case when Hinds County’s circuit judges removed themselves.
Also, it cost the city $2,500 to construct barricades around courthouse during the trial.
Four council members, including President Ben Allen, polled on Tuesday, said they needed lots of details before speculating on whether they would vote to pay the bills.
“I am not willing to say right now as one council member that we’re going to automatically pay the legal fees of the bodyguards because I personally have some questions about that,” said Councilman Leslie McLemore of Ward 2. “And I want to make sure that all of my questions are answered and fully explored.”
Posted by kate at 10:43 AM in Hinds County, MS Newspapers, News | Email this entry
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