Defense Rests in Melton Trial

The defense has rested in case in the trial of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton, who is accused of leading an attack on a duplex that he wanted torn down because he believed it was a drug haven. A federal jury in Jackson heard Wednesday from Christopher Walker, who is serving a sentence on an unrelated matter, and testified that he had bought drugs at the duplex apartment that the mayor and others damaged in a late night raid in 2006. Prosecutors say Melton had no legal authorization to damage the home. Melton says the home was a haven for illegal activity and that he was only trying to help the city. Melton’s attorney contends the mayor had a reason to be at the home and did not willfully violate anyone’s civil rights.