Melton: Feds want him to resign

The Clarion-Ledger, 10/3/8

Mayor Frank Melton said today that he does not plan to attend a 1:30 p.m. court hearing about jury selection for his federal trial in November.

The hearing was originally closed to the public. U.S. District Judge Dan Jordan agreed Thursday to open the hearing after The Clarion-Ledger filed a motion.

Melton was indicted in July on charges related to the damage of a duplex on Ridgeway Street in 2006. His former bodyguards, Jackson police detectives Marcus Wright and Michael Recio, also were indicted.

Melton said this afternoon that he thinks federal prosecutors are trying to force him to resign as mayor.