Written by: JR Robinson

Shelby County, TN – The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility has dismissed an ethics complaint filed by State Senator Brent Taylor against Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. After a comprehensive review under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, the Board found the complaint lacked merit and closed the case without further action. The decision is final, with no option for appeal or further review.

The complaint was one of several lodged by Sen. Taylor against DA Mulroy, focusing on his handling of high-profile cases and alleged improper communications with a judge. Despite Taylor’s public claims, including insinuations of a private reprimand against Mulroy, the Board’s dismissal highlights the absence of substantiated evidence in these allegations.

DA Mulroy’s Response

In response to the ruling, DA Mulroy addressed the repeated nature of Sen. Taylor’s complaints:
"Sen. Taylor has spent months publicly discussing the many ethical complaints he’s filed against me... But what he hasn’t told the public is that the Board of Professional Responsibility has dismissed those complaints."

Mulroy emphasized that responding to these complaints has diverted time and resources from his office’s mission to enhance public safety and ensure justice for all Shelby County residents. He also noted that Taylor has recently filed yet another complaint, which remains under review.

Political Tensions and Broader Context

This development comes amid ongoing political tensions between Sen. Taylor and DA Mulroy. Taylor has been a vocal critic of Mulroy since his election, alleging that the DA’s policies undermine state laws and public safety. Earlier this year, Taylor introduced a resolution in the Tennessee Senate to investigate Mulroy’s potential removal from office—a move criticized by some as politically motivated.

Mulroy has countered these claims by pointing to his office’s achievements, including reductions in crime rates and successful prosecutions in high-profile cases like those involving Young Dolph and Tyre Nichols. He described Taylor’s actions as politically driven distractions from addressing Shelby County's real challenges.

Upholding Professional Standards

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high ethical standards within the legal profession through its thorough review process. In dismissing the complaint, the Board underscored that attorneys are obligated to submit to disciplinary inquiries as part of their professional duties but emphasized that baseless complaints undermine the integrity of this system.

This ruling clears DA Mulroy of these allegations and allows his office to refocus on its core mission: fostering a safer and fairer community for all residents of Shelby County.