MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A judge Wednesday dismissed a second attempt to oust Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert.
Attorney Robert D. Meyers filed the ouster attempt in August on behalf of the Shelby County Attorney’s office, stating that Halbert “knowingly or willfully neglected and failed to perform one or more duties, responsibilities or obligations enjoined upon the Shelby County Clerk … “
Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Felicia Corbin Johnson ruled Wednesday that Meyers was not the proper person to bring this matter and as a result, she doesn’t have any jurisdiction to hear it.
“The Statute says it is to be conducted by the County Attorney, the District Attorney, the City Attorney or the Attorney General,” Corbin Johnson said.
The judge’s decision to dismiss the case against Halbert did not sit well with Meyers.
“I think the citizens of Shelby County deserve to have this case heard. I conducted the investigation along with my team and the things we out in the complaint are true to best of our knowledge,” he said.
Halbert’s attorney Darrell O’Neal said he was happy with the outcome.
“My reaction is, my client wanted to continue to be able to do her job as the clerk, so I’m absolutely happy,” he said.
It’s the second time this year that Corbin Johnson has dismissed an ouster case against Halbert.
On May 6, Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp filed ouster proceedings citing “willful neglect to perform a duty” and “Inaccurate and Untimely Financial Reporting.”
A judge dismissed that case, saying Wamp did not have jurisdiction. Wamp was appointed as an independent prosecutor at the Shelby County District Attorney’s request.
Halbert was re-elected to the county clerk’s post in 2022.