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State senator asks Tennessee AG to investigate DA’s deal with DOJ

By , Daily Memphian Updated: June 11, 2024 7:08 PM CT | Published: June 11, 2024 5:22 PM CT

State Sen. Brent Taylor is asking the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office to investigate a recent deal struck between the U.S. Department of Justice and the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office to stop local enforcement of the state’s aggravated-prostitution law. 

And, in response, Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy said his office is still prosecuting prostitution, just not under the aggravated-prostitution law, which comes with enhanced penalties and applies to those who engage in sex work knowing they have HIV.

Taylor penned a letter Monday, June 10, to Tennessee Attorney General Attorney Jonathan Skrmetti asking if the agreement with the DOJ was legal and if he would consider appointing an outside prosecutor to enforce the law in light of the agreement.

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State Sen. Brent Taylor Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy Tennessee Attorney General Subscriber Only

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Aarron Fleming

Aarron Fleming

Aarron Fleming covers Memphis and Shelby County’s court system and is a member of The Daily Memphian’s public safety reporting team. He formerly covered education and earned his B.A. in journalism from the University of Memphis.


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