Prosecutors are seeking to have Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Melissa Boyd's bond revoked following her positive test results for cocaine and alcohol, according to court documents. Judge Boyd, who faces charges related to harassment and witness coercion, was initially granted bail at $5,000 in December after her indictment. The conditions of her bail included regular drug testing.
This development comes shortly after a Tennessee General Assembly committee recommended her removal from office. During the committee's session, a Board of Judicial Conduct member revealed Boyd's failure in a recent drug test, despite her completion of a rehabilitation program in Georgia.
The official motion states, "On March 12, 2024, the defendant underwent drug testing, and by March 15, 2024, it was confirmed she tested positive for cocaine and alcohol. This constitutes a breach of her bail conditions, as she was prohibited from consuming illegal substances and alcohol while on bond."
Since her 2022 election, Judge Boyd has faced several reprimands for various infractions, including soliciting donations in her judicial robe, harassment, alcohol misuse, and substance addiction. Notably, these issues were highlighted after a complaint by a woman who claimed to have been Boyd's campaign manager, a role Boyd disputes, suggesting a personal relationship instead.
Despite her suspension, Boyd continues to receive her salary, approximately $17,000 monthly. Her case is proceeding in Shelby County criminal court, under the prosecution of Frederick Agee, the district attorney for Crockett, Gibson, and Haywood counties.
Allegations against Boyd include attempts to silence the campaign manager about their interactions and misuse of information regarding the woman's divorce. While the Board of Judicial Conduct can issue reprimands, only the General Assembly has the authority to remove a judge from their position.
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