County Court overturns Graning misdemeanor trespassing conviction

NATCHEZ — On Wednesday morning, a judge in Adams County Court overturned the misdemeanor conviction of trespassing against Millicent Graning of Natchez.

Graning was found guilty in Justice Court on April 23 of misdemeanor trespassing on land owned by Natchez businessman and Adams County Supervisors President Kevin Wilson.

Wilson has proposed building an oilfield waste landfill on land he owns off Shieldsboro Road in Adams County, about 100 yards from the existing Waste Management landfill. Graning is opposed to the landfill’s construction.

Wilson filed a trespassing complaint against Graning after she produced photos, which he said could only have been taken by someone who had disregarded about 20 “No Trespassing” signs posted in and around his property. Graning shared those photos with the Adams County Board of Supervisors. Further, Wilson said during a county meeting, from which he recused himself, Graning encouraged others to enter his property and see construction for themselves.

Judge James Bell of Crystal Springs determined the county, represented by Wilkinson County prosecutor Shep Crawford, had failed to meet its burden of proof that Graning had taken the photos herself and failed to prove she encouraged others to trespass on Wilson’s property. Bell presided over the case because Adams County Judge Walt Brown recused himself when the appeal was filed.

Graning was represented by Eichelberger Law Firm of Jackson and its attorneys, Madeline Iles and Matt Eichelberger. Graning had no comment after the judge issued his ruling.

Wilson was not immediately available for comment after the hearing.

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