A judge in Memphis summarily dismissed a second petition to remove Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert, further escalating the legal drama surrounding her into a procedural maze. Because the lawyers behind the attempt lacked the legal capacity to file the petition, the case—which focused on Halbert’s claimed negligence in her official duties—was dismissed. “The law is also unambiguous. Petitions for ouster are filed in the state’s name. According to FOX13 Memphis, Judge Felicia Corbin-Johnson declared, “That is mandatory.”
Halbert was enmeshed in controversy after being re-elected in 2022 due to suspected “inaccurate and untimely financial reporting,” which detractors claim has put a strain on Shelby County’s businesses and government. Despite these claims, Halbert has so far been exempt from the expulsion process because to legal technicalities. The county’s efforts to have her removed encountered a procedural obstacle when private attorney Robert Meyers, who filed the removal request, was found to be acting without authorization. “I believe this lawsuit should be heard for the benefit of Shelby County residents. According to WREG, Meyers stated, “My team and I carried out the investigation, and the information we disclosed in the complaint is accurate to the best of our knowledge.”
Earlier in the year, another attempt to remove Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp from the case was rejected after it was determined that he had the necessary jurisdiction. This was not the first twist in the maze of the case. Concerns about unsubmitted financial reports and purported strain on auto dealerships were mirrored in the most recent complaint. However, Judge Johnson’s decision remained the same: only specific local officials, such as the attorney general, district attorney, or county attorney, possess the authority to submit such petitions.
Meyers hinted at the possibility of an appeal, highlighting the seriousness and tenacity of this legal dispute. “I think that’s certainly a strong consideration that it will be appealed, but I don’t know yet,” Meyers told Local Memphis. As things stand, Halbert is set to stay in her position despite the problems surrounding it unless the statutory language changes or an appeal is successful. In the meantime, those who oppose her are still unable to proceed with their accusations of neglect and poor management due to legal nuances.
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