Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris has called for a temporary halt to Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr.'s involvement in the local grant-making process after federal agents charged Ford with bribery and tax evasion. According to reports by WREG, Ford, who pleaded not guilty after turning himself in last Friday, is facing allegations of using his public position to direct grant funds to certain non-profits which then, allegedly "corruptly", sent payments back to his computer business.
In a move to maintain the integrity of the grant-making system, Harris expressed his concern in a statement saying, “The federal criminal indictment of Commissioner Ford is devastating news for the residents he serves and for all of Shelby County.” He added, “Considering these allegations of criminal corruption, it is appropriate for the Commission to stop Commissioner Ford from additional grant-making and participating in the County grant-making process while the prosecution is ongoing," this information comes from FOX13 Memphis.
Ford Jr.'s legal counsel, Michael Scholl, elaborated on their stance to Local Memphis, stating, "We are going to fight these charges vigorously defend Mr ford innocence." Commissioner Amber Mills reiterated the importance of due process. "The recent federal indictment is a serious matter; however, it is essential to remember that an indictment is not a conviction." She emphasized Ford's entitlement to a fair and impartial legal process.
As the case unfolds, Shelby County Commission Chair Michael Whaley underlined the Commission’s commitment to ethical conduct, "The news involving Commissioner Edmund Ford, Jr., if proven true, is disheartening. At this time, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners shall defer to the legal process." His statement to Local Memphis included details about focusing on actions to bolster ethics rules and protocols. Amid these declarations Ford remains out on bond and his court appearance is set for Thursday.
