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‘Memphis is done with excuses': Shelby County DA under the microscope (again)

By , Special to The Daily Memphian Updated: January 27, 2026 12:25 PM CT | Published: January 26, 2026 11:33 AM CT

Two Memphis Republicans are using the heavy federal law enforcement presence in Memphis to pressure their frequent foil, Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy. 

Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, and Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Eads, have sponsored the Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act

The bill would require Mulroy to report on certain actions tied to felony cases originating from two federal initiatives — Operation Viper or the MSTF. Those actions include entering into a plea agreement, lowering the charged offense or if the attorney general dismisses or declines to prosecute.

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Subscriber Only Memphis Safe Task Force Steve Mulroy John Gillespie Brent Taylor

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Noah McLane

Noah McLane reports on the state house for The Daily Memphian. He was born and raised in Tennessee and attended journalism school at Middle Tennessee State University, where his passion for community-focused storytelling began.

Prior to writing for The Daily Memphian, Noah was the editor-in-chief of his college newspaper, worked on general assignment for the Jackson Hole News & Guide in Jackson, Wyoming, and was most recently an editorial intern at the Nashville Scene.


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