Council votes 5-1 to pay Wright’s, Recio’s attorneys
The measure passed by a 5-1 vote, with Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Weill in opposition. Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon was absent.
The bills date to the 2007 criminal trial of Melton and then-bodyguards Michael Recio and Marcus Wright, who had been charged with several fel-onies related to their role in a warrantless raid on a suspected west Jackson drug house. A Hinds County jury acquitted them of the charges, which is why some council members supported paying the bills.
The money will go to Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith and Assistant District Attorney Winston Thompson. At the time of the trial, Smith and Thompson were defense attorneys in private practice and represented the bodyguards.
Clarion-Ledger
12/2/9
Magnolia Tribune
