A stalking charge against Greenwood Democratic mayoral candidate Jelani Barr was dismissed in Greenwood Municipal Court on Monday.
The charge was filed in August. Barr said at that time that the police should have questioned the credibility of April Walls, the woman who filed the affidavit against him.
Barr, 28, the chief financial officer of Barr’s Bookkeeping and Tax Service, said he felt vindicated after Municipal Judge Carlos Palmer dismissed the case.
“This just goes to show the example of unprofessionalism of our police department,” said Barr, who has been a frequent critic of the Greenwood Police Department.
“It shows they do not thoroughly investigate the crimes that are reported, which results in unnecessary arrests on citizens, especially people that they have something against.”
Barr said Palmer had “restored my faith in the justice system somewhat.”
Barr will face Sheriel Perkins, a former mayor of Greenwood, in the May 8 party primary.
The general election is June 4.
Barr is still facing an assault charge filed by Leflore County Constable Vonzell Self related to a confrontation at Self’s home, where Barr and private investigator William Acosta were trying to serve Self a subpoena.
Barr and Acosta are assisting in the defense of Dr. Arnold Smith, who is charged in an unsuccessful murder-for-hire plot targeting attorney Lee Abraham. Smith is also charged with capital murder in the death of Keaira Byrd, the alleged hitman who was killed at Abraham’s law office by an agent of the state Attorney General’s Office.
After Barr and Acosta filed charges against Self, Self filed a countercharge against Barr.
Barr said the stalking charge is a prime example of excessive police enforcement practices that defame people.
“There are hundreds of people, especially young, black men who receive this treatment every day. ... Hopefully, people will see what our police department is all about,” he said.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
