MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee was indicted Tuesday on charges of coercing and harassing a witness and jailed after violating a bond agreement after testing positive for cocaine. accepted his resignation.
Erin Merrick, Lee’s lead attorney, said in a short letter that the governor has accepted the resignation of Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Melissa Boyd.
Boyd sent a letter to the state Courts Administration on Tuesday informing them of his immediate resignation. It arrived a day after she sent a letter announcing her resignation at the end of May.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on Tuesday accepted the resignation of a Memphis judge who was charged with coercion and harassment of a witness. (AP/Mark Zaleski)
A hearing on her removal from the bench was scheduled for Thursday in the Tennessee General Assembly. Under state law, a judge can be referred to the Legislature after receiving two public reprimands.
The indictment alleges that Boyd, who was elected in 2022, coerced former campaign manager Rashanta Rudd to give false testimony or “withhold truthful testimony” in official proceedings. , has been charged with influencing or attempting to influence. The indictment does not describe formal proceedings.
The indictment also states that Ms. Boyd’s communications with Ms. Rudd were an attempt to embarrass, alarm, or frighten her. Ms. Boyd maintained her innocence.
Boyd was suspended in May after being accused of threatening an acquaintance, using his position as a judge to demand money, and abusing drugs. The accusations include asking for donations to the school in a social media post that showed Boyd wearing court uniform.
As a condition of his release, Boyd was ordered to take a drug test and was told not to use drugs. Prosecutors asked her bond to be revoked after she tested positive for cocaine twice in March and failed to report for another drug test, according to court documents.
At a hearing last Wednesday, Judge Roy Morgan revoked her bail and sent her to jail.
Arthur Horne III, one of Boyd’s attorneys, said at the hearing that Boyd “needs help” but is not cooperating, adding that the judge described him as having a “full relapse” and “not thinking with a level head.” No,” he said. The Commercial Appeal reported.
Boyd’s trial is scheduled for April 24.
