MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Juvenile Court workers moved out of the building Wednesday after an inspection last week found asbestos, mold and lead paint.
The building on Adams Avenue is now closed indefinitely, and Judge Tarik Sugarmon says the emergency closure could cause a backup in Juvenile Court cases.
“There was a smell and odor occasionally when it got hot, because out AC would sometimes work and sometimes wouldn’t,” Sugarmon said. “There was some peeling paint on the walls and there was water at one when it was raining, running across the floor.”
Issues like these led Sugarmon and other Shelby County leaders to a request for an inspection in March.
Ongoing repairs, upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements were pointed out just last week to WREG, when our cameras went inside for a tour on April 23.
The next day the Juvenile Court Clerk’s office was notified of an Emergency Maintenance Closure, until remediation is done.
It’s going to cause some backups, as court is unable to handle some dockets.
For now, court cases are being heard in person at the Shelby County Youth Justice and Educational Center, and virtually.