Mayor was routinely drunk, Wright testifies

The Clarion-Ledger, 2/12/9

Mayor Frank Melton’s former police bodyguard testified Wednesday it was not uncommon for him to see the mayor drinking.

Marcus Wright said he was often sent on runs to the liquor store to pick up alcohol for Melton. And when asked by prosecutors how many times he had seen Melton under the influence, Wright said, “Numerous amounts of times, just about every other day.”

The testimony was given in the federal civil rights trial of Melton and his other former bodyguard, Michael Recio.

Wright had been charged alongside his former boss and colleague. He agreed to testify and plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges.