MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office requested that the District Attorney begin an investigation into numerous complaints concerning the Shelby County Clerk’s Office.
On Thursday, the D.A. ordered Coty Wamp, District Attorney General for the 11th Judicial District in Hamilton County, Tennessee, to investigate complaints against Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert and look into her possible removal. If the complaints are proven, they could "constitute a willful neglect by Halbert to perform the duties of her office," according to the D.A.'s office.
Halbert has faced criticism in the past over long lines for car tag renewals, delays in the Hickory Hill office opening and more.
In March, Commissioner Mick Wright posted a letter to social media asking Halbert to step down from her role. One day later, Halbert stated she had no plans to resign.
The D.A. believed that an outside, independent prosecutor would be appropriate for investigating Halbert because of the "politically sensitive nature of this inquiry."