Cross' DUI trial re-set for May 16

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
April 16, 2002
The drunken driving trial of Meridian's assistant administrative officer was delayed Monday until May 16 after Judge Beauchamp Jones recused himself from the case.
The trial had been slated for Monday in Meridian Municipal Court. Jones, the city court judge, told Cross that the decision to step down from was made at the request of the city.
The reason: Jones had performed legal services for Cross in the past.
Cross' charge of driving under the influence stems from a Feb. 4 traffic accident in which he was involved.
Cross was suspended by Mayor John Robert Smith, effective March 26 for 30 days. He is still the city's assistant administrative officer, but is not keeping office hours.
Cross' attorney, Robbie Jones, said he wasn't surprised by the judge's decision. Jones said, "This is a sensitive matter because it affects a city employee."