A Shelby County Circuit Court judge has dismissed a second ouster attempt against Wanda Halbert, the county clerk who has faced multiple legal challenges regarding her tenure.
Judge Felicia Corbin Johnson ruled Wednesday that attorney Robert D. Meyers, who filed the latest ouster complaint on behalf of the Shelby County Attorney’s Office in August, lacked standing to bring the case.
As a result, the court had no jurisdiction to hear it.
Legal Challenges and Procedural Issues
Meyers alleged that Halbert had “knowingly or willfully neglected and failed to perform one or more duties, responsibilities or obligations enjoined upon the Shelby County Clerk.”
However, Judge Corbin Johnson noted that Tennessee statutes mandate such proceedings must be initiated by the county attorney, district attorney, city attorney, or attorney general—not an appointed attorney.
“The statute says it is to be conducted by the County Attorney, the District Attorney, the City Attorney, or the Attorney General,” Corbin Johnson stated in her decision.
This marks the second time this year that a court has dismissed an ouster case against Halbert due to jurisdictional issues.
In May, Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp, acting as an independent prosecutor, filed an ouster complaint citing “willful neglect to perform a duty” and “inaccurate and untimely financial reporting.”
That case was also dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction.
Reactions to the Decision
Meyers expressed dissatisfaction with the dismissal, stressing the significance of the allegations outlined in the complaint.
“I think the citizens of Shelby County deserve to have this case heard,” Meyers said. “I conducted the investigation along with my team, and the things we put in the complaint are true to the best of our knowledge.”
Meanwhile, Halbert’s attorney, Darrell O’Neal, welcomed the court’s decision.
“My client wanted to continue to be able to do her job as the clerk, so I’m absolutely happy,” O’Neal stated.
Background
Wanda Halbert, re-elected as Shelby County Clerk in 2022, has faced scrutiny over her office’s operations, including allegations of delayed services and financial reporting issues.
Despite the legal challenges, Halbert has remained in her position.
With both ouster attempts dismissed, Halbert continues to serve as clerk, a role she has held amid ongoing public and political scrutiny.
