Judge Dan Jordan wants a doctor from Tupelo to look over Mayor Frank Melton’s medical records and report to him tomorrow on how he likes the odds for an undisrupted trial beginning next week.
Meanwhile, Melton himself (photographed either really sick or wearing gray makeup) owned today that he hasn’t been doing such a hot job keeping Jackson safe — so he vows to ban baggy pants.
I can’t make this stuff up.
Update by NMC (I’m updating Lotus because I have a couple of pieces of info)
Melton’s records are being reviewed by a cardiologist at Cardiology Associates in Tupelo. His CV can be found here. The questions the judge wants answered are outlined in his order, here, and are:
1. Will a three to four week trial beginning January 5, 2009 create substantial danger to Defendant Melton’s life or health?
2. To what extent do Defendant Melton’s hospitalizations on November 17 and December 22, 2008, affect his ability to stand trial beginning January 5, 2009?
3. To what extent would a period of recuperation following these hospitalizations reduce the risk to Defendant Melton’s life or health (assuming such a risk exists)?
4. Is Defendant Melton’s condition expected to improve over the next few months such that a later trial date would present less risk to his life or health?
5. Are there accommodations that would reduce the risk to Defendant Melton’s life or health?
They are going to have a confidential phone call about all of this tomorrow morning at 8:30 and then the judge will rule…
Thanks for the updates.
Judge Jordan is trying his best to move Melton’s trial along, but Melton will likely screw it up again. Like trying to mash your thumb on a blob of mercury.
What we should be asking is this: “What would Judge Neil Biggers Do”? Answer: If necessary, Melton would be at trial with an oxygen tank and mask handy…perhaps an IV…with a full medical staff attending in the audience. But, the show would go on. And rightfully so.
I begin to fear that Judge Jordan is second-guessing the feds’ prudence in pushing this case. Could the man do anything more to find some excuse not to have a trial?
So, if his health is in question to stand trial, shouldn’t we be wondering how he’s able to serve the city as mayor?
The Clarion Ledger has someone raising that exact question at a press conf. yesterday after the court hearing.
Who’s responsible for removing him from office if it’s determined he’s unfit to serve?