Clarksdale is apparently getting tough on those who gather to drink in public, create a nuisance and then panhandle from tourist, local residents and businesses downtown.
According to police reports, Milton Gardner, a community activist, had charges of indecent exposure filed against him following at Wednesday, Sept. 25 incident where he exposed himself and urinated in the presence of City Prosecuting Attorney Bill Gresham. Gresham had asked Gardner, and those who gather on park benches between City Hall and Second Street, to stop urinating in public at the park.
Gresham and his wife live downtown and own property across from City Hall in the 200 block of Sunflower Avenue.
The report goes on to say Gardner cursed Gresham out and told him to “get the xxxx out of my face.”
Gresham then filed an affidavit against Gardner for indecent exposure.
Gardner was also the focus of an alleged assault reported to police at the city mini park on Friday, Sept. 27.
When officers arrived they found a woman, identified at Veronica Melton, with a swelling on the right side of her face and Melton said she and Gardner had gotten into an altercation a few days ago. She told officers she did not want to file charges.
Gardner told the officer he did not assault Melton.
The report said the officer then told Gardner he appeared to be intoxicated, his eyes were red and there was the smell of alcohol on Gardner. The officer also told Gardner he had an outstanding warrant for Gardner’s arrest on the indecent exposure charges.
Gardner was transported to the Clarksdale Police Department and released on subpoena for the indecent exposure charge by Clarksdale Municipal Court Judge Derrick Hopson. Gardner then posted a $275 bond with Newson’s Bonding Company on the public drunk charge.
The police report said the Sept. 27 incident was captured on police body camera.
Gardner, 64, of 222 Yazoo Avenue, appeared in Municipal Court at 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. His case was delayed as Judge Derrick Hopson recused himself from the case because of a conflict of interest.
The city will now pay for a judge to hear the case, prosecutor to represent the city and a public defender for Gardner.
Gardner had to be cautioned by Judge Hopson for not standing as the judge entered the courtroom. Failure to respect the court can see that individual cited for contempt of court and placed in the county jail for up to 30-days.
Police Report
The Clarksdale Police Department has reported the following incidents in the community and is asking residents to report any crime or suspicious activity in an effort to reduce crime in Clarksdale.
The information below is taken from police reports submitted by the Clarksdale Police Department and is not a complete report of all crime in the community. The Police Report is published by the Clarksdale Press Register as a public service to the community and informs residents of events in their neighborhood so they can protect themselves against crime.
Oct. 9, 2024
Auto Burglary:
• A burglary was reported in the 1500 block of Herrin Street, and a 9mm Taurus handgun was reported stolen. Police reports said there was no forced entry.
Tue. Oct. 8
No reports today.
Mon. Oct. 7
No reports today.
No reports sent to the Clarksdale Press Register for Saturday, Oct. 5 or Sunday, Oct. 6.
Fri. Oct. 4
No reports today.
Thu. Oct. 3
No reports today.
