Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba’s decision to hire Steve Sutton, who pleaded guilty to charges of promoting prostitution in 2021, as the City’s new interim director of parks and recreation is drawing criticism in Mississippi’s capital.
Following an investigation in 2020, the Madison Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation arrested Hutton, who was the executive director of the Mississippi Fair Commission at the time, and charged him with promoting prostitution.
Before the arrest, he also served as a vice president for Promise Keepers, a Christian ministry for men. Hutton pleaded guilty to the charge in a Madison County Circuit Court and a judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison with seven suspended. He ultimately served one year in the Mississippi Department of Corrections and two years in an intensive supervision program.
‘Another Opportunity’
Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes voiced his disapproval when asked about Hutton’s appointment to the position. “Hell to the naw naw. Hell to the naw. Hell to the naw naw. Hell to the naw naw naw. Hell no,” he told WAPT on September 12.
Stokes explained his opposition to the appointment in an interview with the Mississippi Free Press on Wednesday.
“It’s commendable to say we’re not going to look at whether or not somebody was a criminal or made a mistake when they were young. But this is not simple shoplifting and this is not a low-level position,” he said.
“Mr. Hutton and I have had significant discussions about his conviction. I acknowledge that he has taken full accountability for his actions,” Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba said on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. Photo by Kayode Crown
During Lumumba’s announcement of the interim director on Monday, he cautioned the public against rushing to judgement because of Hutton’s prior conviction.
“Mr. Hutton and I have had significant discussions about his conviction. I acknowledge that he has taken full accountability for his actions,” the mayor said, adding that he has no doubt the appointee has the ability and skills necessary to do the job.
Lumumba cited his administration’s commitment to “ban the box,” an initiative
Read original article by clicking here.