SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy announced during a press conference Tuesday a new initiative for his office to prosecute priority violent offenses. The new effort centers around bail, time and investigation according to the District Attorney.
“We must get back to a place where everyone feels comfortable pumping gas at night, where store owners don’t have to worry about cars crashing through their storefronts, where drivers don’t have to worry about some idiot doing donuts on the interstate,” said the Shelby County DA.
Mulroy identified 11 offenses on Dec. 19 that will fall under the new plan. These include murder, carjacking, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault involving gunfire, getting caught in a stolen car, being caught with a gun with a glock switch, and smash and grabs.
“You will not want to be a priority violent offender,” Mulroy said.
For these offenders, the D.A. office will request court-ordered supervision rather than bail bond supervision if a bond is set, which was a point of contention for judge Bill Anderson Jr, who listed problems that comes with bail bond companies monitoring the person involved.
Mulroy said the D.A. will also ensure speedy trials and immediately move to revoke bail for those arrested while out on bond.
“If you commit one of these offenses, you will be prosecuted vigorously, and go to prison,” Mulroy warned.
Additionally, the D.A. will maintain regular contact with the Memphis Police Department to make sure investigations run smoothly, and families will be notified within 24 hours of an arrest, Mulroy said.
Moreover, automated alerts will be sent to prosecutors if those out on bond come into contact with law enforcement again.
“We’re not going to bend the curve [of violent crime] overnight, but what can we do to see change in a 12-15 month timeline?” Mulroy said.
This new plan is coming after Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor recently called for an investigation into a Shelby County judge and the District Attorney General’s office over what he called “illegal restorative justice schemes."
More details on this initiative are expected to become available in January.