Ferguson public relations representative was convicted of reckless homicide: http://t.co/eoNF0DoC1P via @STLtoday. #MichaelBrown #Ferguson

— stevegiegerich (@stevegiegerich) September 26, 2014

Devin Sean James, the 32-year-old CEO of a firm running public relations for Ferguson, was himself convicted of shooting an unarmed man in what her characterized as a home invasion 10 years ago.

James said he shot the victim, Rodney Steward, in self defense.

A Shelby County, Tenn., jury convicted him of reckless homicide in 2006. James appealed the conviction.

The appeal was denied and James was incarcerated for 90 days in 2009. His probation period ended in March, he said.

[…]

Ferguson officials knew of James’ conviction before they signed a contract with him, Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III said Thursday.

Knowles said James’ story of coming from a rough background to owning his own firm has been inspiring and has given city officials an invaluable perspective.

“We haven’t put it out there because he’s not the story,” Knowles said.

He said a major complaint in the African-American community is that people with convictions don’t get a second chance.

“In Ferguson, we have done that,” by contracting with James.

James is charging $154.10 per hour for his work, according to city records.

[…]

But the city isn’t paying him.

James’ firm is being compensated by the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership

[…]

RTWT