Hurricane Government

[PARAGON]

Article published Mar 4, 2006
Lampton steps down from McGee case
By Natasha Smith

U.S. Attorney Dunn Lampton will not prosecute Forrest County Sheriff Billy McGee for commandeering two ice trucks Sept. 4 following Hurricane Katrina.

McGee, 53, said Friday that his attorney, Jim Dukes, received a notice saying Lampton has recused himself from the case. The move is expected to further delay the case.

"I have no idea until the government notifies me of another court date or another hearing of some type," said McGee, who added the U.S. Justice Department may handle the case.

Lampton could not be reached for comment.

McGee was expected to plead guilty Feb. 24 to a misdemeanor charge of interfering with, intimidating and impeding a federal officer.

The sheriff has said a National Guard soldier who attempted to stop the ice trucks from leaving the FEMA site was handcuffed, brought to the sheriff's office and cited for interfering. The trucks and ice went to relief centers in Brooklyn and Sheeplo.

McGee said he agreed to plead to the misdemeanor charge to prevent prosecution of three deputies who were with him and acting at his direction.