Sheriff Harry Lee of Jefferson Parish discussed his decision to allow camera crews into the jail to film interviews with incarcerated rap star Corey Miller, better known as C-Murder, last Monday.
According to Lee, who spoke at the Loyola Law School, Miller is a charged and convicted 16-year-old for the second-degree murder of Steve Thomas.
This conviction was overturned and Miller remains in jail while awaiting his new trial. According to Lee, “Court TV” crews and a local cable access show were allowed to bring cameras into the jail for interviews with Miller. Lee said he had hoped to send out a message to C-Murder’s fans that this man committed a crime and is now being held accountable for it. However, the decision has brought about backlash from many, Lee said.
Critics have commented harshly that C-Murder, with the help of his lawyer, recorded a new album while incarcerated that will be released in late March. C-Murder also used clips from the television interviews to make a music video for an upcoming single. The recording and music video were done in the jail, without the sheriff’s permission, according to Lee.
“I think that was most unprofessional to do what he did,” Lee said. Since then Lee has imposed the “Rakosky policy,” based on the actions of C-Murder’s attorney, Ron Rakosky. It is enforced on lawyers who violate the sheriff’s trust and limits them to bring only paper and pencil when meeting with a client.
Because Miller’s action did not violate any laws, Lee’s own actions are limited. According to Lee, the sheriff has a plan of action.
“If he was going to a recording studio and … is getting so much publicity that he is advertising that he made this thing from jail, I think that the Jefferson people should be compensated for the free advertising that we provided for him on the fact he did it in my jail, turning it into a studio and in a jail house uniform to show that he’s in jail, and that is a costume I provided for him,” Lee said.
Throughout the lecture, Lee told stories of his time in college, troubles in selecting a career and the entertaining occurrences from his current career. Lee has had a varying career with jobs as a restaurant worker, judge and sheriff. Lee said the one job he would like to have if he was not sheriff was “rap mogul producer.”
Lee spoke about the importance of how useful a law degree can help a person, even if they decide not to practice law. Having such knowledge prepares a person for a career in public service, Lee said, using himself as an example.
“Find a job where you can satisfy those basic needs for your wife and your children and then be satisfied in yourself, then you’ll go far, ” Lee said.
Tara Templeton can be reached at [email protected].
