Two Shelby County leaders face ouster efforts when state lawmakers reconvene next month

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - When the GOP-led General Assembly reconvenes in Nashville next month, legislators are expected to focus on removing Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and General Sessions Judge Bill Anderson from office.

State lawmakers return to work in two weeks to start filing new bills and passing new laws. On the GOP’s list of things to do: decide whether to kick Shelby County’s DA to the curb for being what critics call “too soft on crime.”

A decision about controversial Judge Anderson is also coming soon from state leaders.

“My critics will say that I’m overturning an election and I’m abusing the constitution,” Sen. Brent Taylor, a Republican representing Memphis, told Action News 5.

Sen. Taylor is leading the charge to remove DA Mulroy for “dereliction of duty,” and he’s enlisting the help of the GOP-dominant legislature.

“I would encourage everybody just wait until you hear what the allegations are,” said Sen. Taylor, “and the General Assembly will review those allegations. They’ll be able to have subpoena power where they can actually do their own investigation, and they’ll make a recommendation to either remove him or not remove him.”

”Obviously, we have grave concerns about the crime level down here," Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson told Action News 5 during a recent visit to Memphis.

Johnson said state lawmakers will also vote on the possible removal of Shelby County General Sessions Judge Bill Anderson if the Board of Judicial Conduct gives him one more reprimand.

The board’s currently reviewing Sen. Taylor’s latest complaint about Judge Anderson releasing suspects accused of violent gun crimes without bond, ignoring a new state law that makes community safety the number one priority when setting bail.

Anderson was reprimanded earlier in the year for his unprofessional tone with a police officer in his courtroom and for making statements about the current bond system. The judge has made it no secret he is not a fan of bail bond companies.

If he gets a second reprimand, the state legislature can then pursue removing him from office.

“One thing we don’t really like in the General Assembly,” said Sen. Johnson, “is when we, as duly elected representatives of the people of Tennessee, pass a law and someone at the local level thumbs their nose at our laws. Then we feel compelled we need to take action”

Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari and Senate Democratic Caucus Chairwoman London Lamar - both from Memphis - condemn the ouster effort.

“This unconstitutional attack on Shelby County’s District Attorney sets a dangerous precedent,” they said in a joint statement released when Taylor announced his ouster effort over the summer, “It looks like every local official is now on notice not to cross powerful state politicians, or else.”

But Sen. Taylor remains undeterred. Reducing crime in Memphis, he said, is the ultimate goal.

“I believe the combination of those two make our community less safe, and I look forward to making that case to the General Assembly when we go back in January,” said Taylor.

DA Mulroy said the ouster attempt is nothing more than politics.

If he were to be removed, which requires a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate, Governor Lee would appoint a replacement until the next election, and Mulroy would be able to run again.

If Judge Anderson is removed, or should he resign from the bench before his 8-year term expires, the Shelby County Commission would select his replacement until the next election.

The state legislature reconvenes January 14, which is the same day the Memphis Shelby County School Board is expected to vote on terminating Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins' contract.

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