Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Attorney Arrested for Simple Assault

Attorney Kevin Camp was arrested for simple assault Friday after Jackson Municipal Court Judge Jeff Reynolds held a probable cause hearing. Attorney Matt Boothe filed a complaint for simple assault against the attorney on March 11.  Boothe was an associate at Camp's firm. The hearing was rather contentious at times as Camp attorney Mike Malouf vigorously challenged Boothe's account of what took place that day.  

The Friday afternoon hearing opened with City Prosecutor Keith Gates questioning Boothe about what took place on March 11, his last day of employment at the Camp Law Firm.  Boothe said he worked for Camp for two years and ten months.  Boothe claimed an "employee" came in drunk several times and made up "stuff" about people in the office to "cover for her problems."  Boothe said one such allegation was that he hated Camp and said his boss was sleeping with a previous employee.  Boothe repeatedly testified the accusation was not true.  However, Camp (allegedly) relied on her allegations and made it  clear March 11 would be the associate's last day. 

Judge Reynolds asked Boothe what the reason was for the assault, positing such assaults usually happen for a reason.  The complainant said the two attorneys were both seated in chairs at one end of a conference table.   Boothe said they were discussing what was said by the "employee." (Quotation marks are used because Boothe claimed she was only at the firm for a few months and was not paid by Camp.).  Camp allegedly brought up Boothe's alleged allegations about an affair.  Boothe said he did not say it and it was not true but admitted he lost his temper when he said the woman in question "wouldn't sleep with you but you might have." 

Boothe said Camp became irate upon hearing the insult, stood up, placed his hands on Boothe's shoulders and pushed Boothe as he threatened to fight the associate.  Boothe took pains to point out it would require some force to move him as Camp did since Booth is all of 300 lbs.  Boothe said "you just assaulted me and need to back up" while Camp threatened to arrest him for trespassing. No one else was present during the incident.

Boothe walked outside while Camp called the police to report Boothe's alleged trespassing.  The associate said he was "afraid of what he might do" because "he'd beat his wife before. I didn't know what he was capable of."  He also claimed Camp carried a firearm.  Boothe was referring to Camp's Ridgeland arrest for simple domestic violence on July 15, 2021. The case is pending in Ridgeland municipal court.

After the prosecution rested, Malouf moved to dismiss, arguing Boothe suffered no injury.  Camp's lawyer said there must be an injury or a fear of one for the incident to be classified as an assault.  Boothe tried to say he feared an injury but the veteran attorney did his job and did it well that day.   Malouf cited Section 97-3-7(1)(a) of the Mississippi Code: 

A person is guilty of simple assault if he or she (i) attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; (ii) negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon or other means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm; or (iii) attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily harm; and, upon conviction, he or she shall be punished by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both.

Arguing Boothe's affidavit lacked any allegation of injury, Malouf said even if everything Booth said was true, it must be dismissed.  However, the seersucker suit-clad prosecutor replied Boothe had a fear of bodily harm as Camp presented a physical menace to the attorney.  Malouf quickly hit back, arguing Boothe never even testified under oath "he was afraid or serious bodily injury even when directly asked." "He understands the difference between intimidation and physical threat as a criminal attorney after Boothe said he was intimidated by his boss. 

Judge Reynolds stepped in as Boothe and Malouf sparred and said "a simple assault had to be an act that went beyond mere words, which we have."  He said the affidavit alleged Camp pushed Boothe and threatened to beat him as he denied the motion.  

Denied, Malouf went on the offensive in his cross-examination as he subjected Boothe to a barrage of withering questions.  Booth said he practiced criminal law for three years but admitted he would have to look up simple assault to know what it means, which he didn't do before pressing charges.  He claimed his back was hurting since the assault.  Malouf pounced and asked for evidence.  Boothe said he had bruises but didn't have any pictures nor did he go to the doctor for back pain after the alleged assault took place.  Thus no medical records of any injury or suffering existed. 

Malouf claimed Camp "terminated" Boothe that morning and told him to leave the office.  Boothe denied that took place before the alleged assault.  He said the "employee" said he would be terminated but he and Kevin were "back on track" as they discussed his employment status. 

Judge Reynolds interjected that the allegation of an affair seemed to be the "impetus" for the assault.  Boothe said Camp didn't tell him to leave until after the associate accused Camp of assault.  Both men called the police.  The police arrived and interviewed everyone present at the office.  No one was arrested as JPD advised Boothe to file charges.  

Boothe went back into the office after the police arrived at Camp investigator's invitation.  Malouf immediately took issue with this statement as he quizzed Boothe: "You were scared he had guns, had threatened you and went back in to talk to him."  Boothe replied they were both at a conference table with two other people present.   He said he would have stayed if Camp had just apologized but that his now-former boss "threw a tantrum and acted like a child."  The police were called again but no physical confrontations took place. 

Judge Reynolds denied Malouf's attempt to present an affidavit as testimony since no cross-examination could take place.  The jurist said "this is a he-said, she-said case because nobody else was in the conference room that day." He complimented Malouf out of making the most out of Boothe's termination but said all he had was Boothe's testimony. 

The Court found there was probable cause to issue an arrest warrant for Camp.  He released Camp on his own recognizance as he is not allowed to set bond for a misdemeanor.

 

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

DUI Attorneys are the worst. All of them.

Anonymous said...

I know both gentleman here, Camp better than Booth. Booth is meek, mild, polite, well meaning but in the legal case I saw him, ineffective. Camp, however, is a very professional, determined and persuasive attorney who knows the law and the judges and prosecutors in Jackson Municipal and Hinds County Court.

Mr. Camp's unproven flirtation/affair with a previous employee is irrelevant except as an insult by Mr. Booth, perhaps motivating Mr. Camp to shove Mr. Booth.

Surely a shove is not assault when it occurs in response to such an insult. I think Kevin Camp deserved more respect and consideration than to be arrested for this stupid, insignificant dust-up.

Anonymous said...

That is the kind of representation you receive in Mississippi when you hire a lawyer.

Anonymous said...

5:19 characterizes this as a "stupid, insignificant dust-up." I bet it wouldn't be insignificant to 5:19 if a person as large as Kevin Camp did this to him/her in Kevin Camp's own law office.

Anonymous said...

Shark fight, shark fight, and it's not even "Shark Week."

Anonymous said...

I guess the ex got the house, huh 5:42?

Anonymous said...

5:42 seems to think the legal definition of assault ends with 'unless it's just a dust-up'.

Anonymous said...

All attorneys are scum and these two prove my point. Just thugs in a suit.

Anonymous said...

7:25 makes an ugly, unfounded, broad-brushed remark.

Anonymous said...

5:55
I guess you missed the part where Booth said he weighed 300 pounds. Significantly bigger than Camp.
Sounds like two big ole boys having a pushing match. Not much of an assault. I doubt either of them could actually fight for 30 seconds.
If you accuse someone of doing something bad/wrong/immoral/illegal haven’t you assumed the risk he may whip your a@#.

Anonymous said...

I can't help but feel that drunkenness played a bigger role than was represented...

Anonymous said...

That’s a quarter ton of white meat getting tangled up.

Anonymous said...

As a long-practicing attorney that strives to do right by clients, opposing counsel and judges, 7:25’s comments are offensive, as is the obvious intent. 7:25 is the type of client we all dread and do our best to avoid—the person who claims “all attorneys are scum”, until they need a lawyer; the tort reformer who thinks that tort reform is for everyone else but themselves, etc. the deadbeat dad who somehow blames his ex for not paying his child support, the client that wants to try too tell you how to do your job and everything you are doing wrong. He (not likely a she, since in 30 years I’ve never had a single female client express this guy’s attitude) must have been raked over the coals by a “scummy thug attorney” when he was charged with DUI, not paying his child support or other similar wrongs these types seem to find themselves on. The wrong side of. So for you and your ilk, next time you are in trouble, do us all a favor and don’t even look for an attorney-do what most of your kind do-represent yourself in court and take it on the chin from the thug wearing the suit and whipping you in court!

Anonymous said...

I am the one that said all attorneys are scum. I have paid several of them to win cases for me but they are still scum. They will lie and misrepresent the facts to win. Like these two upstanding lawyers they will call into question every thing from the cop to the breath test just to try to get their clients off on some technicality. They are just pinstriped hucksters who think they are the smartest people in the room. I wish I never had to use one but they have rigged the game.

Anonymous said...

Had a discussion with a crusty old associate a few years back about a court case where I was scheduled to testify. The old man ended our discussion with the statement "never, ever trust a damn attorney if they're standing in front of a judge."

He was right.

One call dat's all said...

Where in the heck was a Richard Schwartz free ride home when it could have actually helped someone and avoid probable litigation?!

Change my mind said...

As my late sister that spent a lifetime as a paralegal once told me, "All Lawyers SUCK. They are ALL liars, some do a better job of lying, and they actually enjoy being the better liar. It's like a competition to them." From my past experiences with them, I agree. I can think of no other "profession" where the "professional" doesn't "bring their "A" game". For instance, if you were suffering from a heart attack, would you be ok with your Physician starting out by scheduling you a knee surgery in 6 months? Then 6 months after that a hip replacement surgery? Before addressing your obvious heart issues? Every other "professional" that I can think of does in fact attempt to "bring their "A" game". With the exception of Lawyers. They start out with their "Z" game and you are either fed up, out of money or both by the time they get to their "V" game.

Anonymous said...

10:24
Maybe it’s getting late.
Or maybe I’m just slow.
But what the hell does that mean?

Anonymous said...

I believe I would have brought up the Miss. Code 'Fighting Words' statute.

Anonymous said...

Kevin was a classmate of mine. Hate to see this, and that he’s alleged to have put hands on his wife.

Anonymous said...

Let us hope this doesn't end with someone shitting in the others bed.

Anonymous said...

certainly qualifies as one of the dumbest topics posted here.
who cares to hear a play by play of some attorneys fighting with words and simple push?

Anonymous said...

I'm fascinated by the people who seem unable to pick a good lawyer or perhaps they present such a losing case to their lawyer and don't listen to what the expected outcome will be, hard to tell from the internets. Thus far, I've managed to pick great lawyers and have had success in the matters where they were needed. I've known shady and incompetent lawyers and didn't choose them. I could have avoided a lot of that by picking better wives but that's another story.

Anonymous said...

If your lawyers are all crooked, slimy, incompetent, etc., perhaps the problem is in the mirror. Examine the common denominator in those relationships (hint: it's you). You know, "bids of a feather . . . "

Anonymous said...

2:10 I think you mean beds.

Anonymous said...

Lawyers who want drunks as clients get into a fight over a drunk employee.
Take a page from the Don Evans playbook, use that built up energy to chase ambulances.

Anonymous said...

3:28 : Birds


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.