February 26, 2019 - In the 123rd Judicial District Court, Honorable Judge LeAnn Rafferty presiding, on February 20, 2019, sixty-one (61) felony cases were set on the docket for arraignment, status hearings, and other pretrial purposes. Shelby County District Attorney Stephen Shires finalized eight (8) cases. The remaining matters are a mix of cases that are set for trial on the March-April trial docket and the July-August trial docket.
On February 21, 2019, in the 273rd Judicial District Court of Shelby County, Honorable James A. Payne, Jr. presiding, the sentencing trial began for Raymond Fleming, Jr., who has been convicted of two counts of forgery, one count of forgery against the elderly, and one count of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information against the elderly. Shelby County District Attorney Stephen Shires presented the State’s case on punishment. The matter was then adjourned. The trial will finish up on February 28, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., when the defense will present its case, followed by closing arguments.
On March 4, 2019, jury selection is set to begin in the trial of a juvenile accused of murder.
On March 18, 2019, jury selection is set to begin in the trial of Tracy Whitaker for Burglary and/or Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.
On March 25, 2019, jury selection is to begin for one or more of the cases remaining on the March-April trial docket.
Given the trial schedule for the month of March, with the remaining open week being Spring Break, out of courtesy for the members of the 273rd Grand Jury, who may wish to enjoy that week with their children or grandchildren, the grand jury will not convene during the month of March. We will have a make-up and meet twice in April.
