Crimefighting mayor charged

A controversial Mississippi mayor has been charged with taking his crimefighting zeal too far.

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton came into office and swore to clean up the town but somewhere along the line, prosecutors say, the crimefighting mayor crossed over from lawman to vigilante.

The 56-year-old Melton was charged last week with malicious-mischief and burglary charges, accused of leading a group of teenagers with sledgehammers in smashing up a house that he claimed was a drug den.

He was also charged with carrying a gun on school property.

If found guilty, Melton could get up to 50 years in prison. Two police officers who served as Melton’s bodyguards were also charged.