Melton’s attorney argues motive should be weighed

The Clarion-Ledger, 11/21/8

Mayor Frank Melton is making his strongest push yet to convince U.S. District Court Judge Dan Jordan to let him reprise a defense tactic that served the mayor well during his state trial.

Melton’s defense attorney, John Reeves, filed a motion this week arguing the jurors should be allowed to hear evidence of past illegal drug use at the house Melton is accused of attacking in a police-style raid on Aug. 26, 2006.

Melton is accused of violating federal civil rights laws by allegedly leading a band of young men armed with sledgehammers in a warrantless attack on the house while his police bodyguards and co-defendants Michael Recio and Marcus Wright stood guard. Melton has since said the Ridgeway Street duplex was a “crack house.”