Sen. Taylor lays out his case for district attorney’s ouster
by: Shay Simon
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — State Sen. Brent Taylor on Thursday presented what he says are the findings of his case to remove Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy from office.
“We can not sustain another six years of a DA not prosecuting and this type of activity that is going on in the DA’s office,” said Taylor, a longtime critic of Mulroy. “He does not follow the law.”
In nine lengthy accusations, Taylor lays out his plans to organize a committee of state leaders to review the allegations, conduct their own investigation, then make a recommendation whether Mulroy should remain in office.
An example that Taylor lays out includes Memphis mother Sharika Carpenter, who alleges her son’s killers were given a plea deal without the DA’s office collecting all evidence.
“They dropped the ball, and dropped the ball big time. They violated my rights,” Carpenter said.
When asked about Mulroy’s supporters, who voted for him, Taylor said, “The voters will have an opportunity to pick his replacement.”
The documents in the binder presented by Taylor are set to be sent to legislators this month.
Meanwhile, Mulroy released a response on his Facebook page:
“Senator Taylor has been critical of me before I even took office, and has continually raised his profile by attacking me. His claims are untrue and vague, serving only to distract from the real issues facing Shelby County.
“The proof’s in the pudding. Crime’s down in every ZIP Code, trials increased by 60%, and backlogs shrunk. We successfully prosecuted the Young Dolph and Liza Fletcher killers, and got national praise for our handling of the Tyre Nichols case. We’re 3 for 3 in appealing overly lenient bonds. The facts just don’t fit the Senator’s narrative.
“What is a fact is that no DA has ever been removed by the Legislature under this provision, and the few judges who have been removed had all been convicted of crimes. Removal, or even investigations, in this case would set a dangerous precedent and disrespect the over 80,000 Shelby voters who voted for change two years ago.
“We need to work together to face the very real challenges we still have– to join hands, not point fingers. I’m still open to doing so, with Senator Taylor or anyone else. I will have a response to the specific charges at a later date.”
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