Will Melton’s health delay trial a third time?

The Clarion-Ledger, 12/30/8

Mayor Frank Melton looked gaunt and ashen Monday at the federal courthouse in Jackson, but chatted amiably with reporters about crime, politics and even his declining health.

Melton, whose chronic heart problems have been among the bedeviling aspects of his term as mayor, said he is now too weak to lift himself from the indoor swimming pool in his northeast Jackson home.

“Talk about being depressed,” he said, visibly gasping for air.

U.S. District Court Judge Dan Jordan will decide today whether Melton, once a vigorous self-styled crime fighter, is healthy enough to stand trial as scheduled Monday.