Shelby County, Tennessee Judge A. Melissa Boyd is under the legal spotlight once more after being arrested in December on charges related to coercing a witness and harassment. These serious allegations stemmed from an attempt to exert influence over the statements of her former campaign manager during an investigation conducted by the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct. As the case is about to head to trial, Boyd has already been suspended from her judicial duties, though she was initially released on bond under the condition she abstains from drug use and consent to frequent drug tests. The proceedings of this trial are scheduled for the latter part of this month.
However, Boyd’s misfortune didn’t end there. During March, she allegedly tested positive for cocaine twice, and was absent for another planned drug screening. Her bond was consequently revoked by Judge Roy Morgan, who in his pronouncement expressed regret over Boyd’s downfall. Following these events, Boyd was taken into custody.
Arthur Horne III, Boyd’s legal counsel, said his client was fully engulfed in a relapse and requires medical intervention. He indicated that these screw-ups were due to her lack of sound judgement caused by persistent drug use.
The initial legal issues Boyd faced emerged in May 2023 over a controversial social media post in which she appeared bedecked in a judicial robe, soliciting contributions. This unrest mushroomed into bigger issues when the investigative steps for the aforementioned incident brought more questionable behavior to light. According to statements by the ABA Journal, her campaign manager had discovered what seemed to be cocaine in her abode. Moreover, the campaign manager also reported what she believed to be surveillance and harassment by Boyd who she believed was intoxicated at the time.
The campaign manager also alleged that Boyd attempted to influence her to recant her official complaint. The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct was presented with evidence of Boyd’s drug usage, resulting in yet another reprimand. The judge continually bargained with the board, which eventually culminated in a suspension with pay.
Despite this leniency, the judicial conduct board is advocating for Boyd’s permanent removal from her position, with a final vote by the Tennessee General Assembly due later this week.
For further information on Judge Boyd’s case, visit the full report here.