Memphis Senator Under Fire for Allegedly Violating the Law
In a surprising twist of events, **state Senator Brent Taylor**, a Republican from Eads, is facing serious allegations that could tarnish his political career. Taylor, who has been very vocal about Shelby County District Attorney **Steve Mulroy** being overly lenient on crime, is now under investigation by West Tennessee District Attorney **Frederick Agee**. The accusation? Taylor is being accused of breaking the law by posting sensitive **personal information** on social media.
According to Agee, Taylor allegedly violated a state law aimed at protecting social security numbers. This law states that any individual or organization that comes into possession of someone’s social security number for legitimate purposes must take steps to protect it from public disclosure. Unfortunately, the law includes a clear example of what not to do: posting a social security number online. Agee claims that Taylor did exactly that.
“I reported Sen. Taylor and the Gibson County Sheriff’s Department’s alleged violation to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Comptroller’s office,” Agee shared in an email. “Releasing someone’s personal identifiable information can lead to serious repercussions, especially with the rise in identity theft cases across the country and state.” In his report, Agee mentioned that the information Taylor allegedly posted was compromised and potentially leaked by the **Gibson County Sheriff’s Department**.
To add more to this already developing story, Agee had requested a **Pro Tem prosecutor** review the case, but his request was initially denied. “I might file another request with more details later,” he said, indicating that he’s not backing down. This investigation comes closely on the heels of a criminal indictment against **Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas**, who is facing allegations of illegally profiting from inmate labor.
Once the allegations went public, Taylor took to social media to defend himself, claiming he swiftly replaced the document he shared with a *redacted version* after realizing it might contain personal data. However, the original post stayed up for about ten hours. Critics say this reflects poorly on his judgment, and even if he’s claiming ignorance, many are skeptical.
Making matters even more complicated, Taylor has been lobbying for an ousting of Mulroy, accusing him of being soft on crime. This move seems to have ignited a feud, particularly after Agee defended Mulroy’s decisions in a recent opinion piece. “It’s unethical, akin to actions seen in dictatorships, rather than waiting for democracy to run its course,” Agee stated, drawing sharp criticisms from Taylor. The tension between these two officials has continuously mounted, leading many to wonder how this situation will unfold.
What’s interesting is Taylor’s assertion that he isn’t responsible for the social security number disclosure, shifting blame onto Agee’s office because the document wasn’t redacted when it was shared publicly. He argued that the law Agee referred to – classified as a Class B misdemeanor – only applies to businesses obtaining personal information through business transactions, not him as a legislator. This defense, however, may not shield him from scrutiny.
FBI Offers Reward for Missing Teen
While legal dramas unfold within the local political landscape, the **FBI’s Memphis Field Office** is stepping up efforts to locate a missing 15-year-old boy named **Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers**. Last seen on February 26 near Hendersonville’s Stafford Court, the FBI is offering a substantial **$50,000 reward** for information leading to the boy’s whereabouts or the capture of those responsible for his disappearance. Rogers requires medication for his autism, making this case especially urgent.
Anyone with information regarding Rogers is encouraged to contact the **Sumner County Sheriff’s Office** or the **Tennessee Bureau of Investigation**. Tips can also be provided directly to the FBI or even anonymously through various channels. Rogers was described as wearing a black hoodie and glasses at the time of his last sighting, so any piece of information could be vital.
Local Business Leaders Tackle Crime Prevention
During the forum, the discussion revolved around the **Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design** program, or CPTED. This initiative has been in operation for several months but hasn’t been utilized as much as anticipated. The program encourages business owners who have been victims of crime to consult with police for guidance on security improvements. Eligible businesses can also receive funding up to **$25,000** to enhance their safety through means such as better lighting or landscaping, making it easier to deter potential criminal acts.
The forum may not solve all the issues facing Memphis, but it’s a start. Chief Davis urged business owners to consider joining the **Connect2Memphis** camera program, which integrates local surveillance systems with the police for crime investigation purposes.
As Memphis navigates its challenges, from allegations against public officials to crime prevention tactics among local businesses, residents are left wondering how these developments will impact their community in the long run.
