The vice chair of the Shelby County Democratic Party, who was recently sworn in as a member of the Shelby County Commission, is claiming his innocence after being arrested for felony tax charges earlier this week.
Officially named the first vice chair for the Shelby County Democrats last year, Shelby County Commissioner Will Richardson (District 8) joined the commission earlier this month after winning his election in August. Despite his rise in Democratic politics, Richardson was reportedly indicted on August 25, then arrested after a warrant was issued Tuesday, reportedly on felony sales tax fraud charges related to his Fat Charlie’s Speakeasy restaurant and bar.
Richardson (pictured above) released a statement to WREG on Friday, asserting his innocence and declaring that he will serve as the legal process unfolds.
“I was elected by the people of District 8 with an overwhelming mandate, and I intend to keep serving them with the same commitment I brought to the campaign,” said Richardson, according to the television station. “This legal matter will not distract me from the work of representing this district — on public safety, economic development, and the issues that matter to our families.”
Adding that he would not comment on specific claims based on his attorney’s advice, Richardson stated, “I am confident that when all the facts come out, they will support what I’ve said from day one. In the meantime, I ask for the public’s patience and I remain focused on the job I was elected to do.”
Richardson’s term as the first vice chair for the Shelby County Democrats is slated to end in 2027. His term on the Shelby County Commission will not expire until August 2028.
The case against Richardson is not the first time a Shelby County Commission member has faced criminal charges. Last year, Edmund Ford Jr. was a sitting commissioner when he surrendered to the FBI in a federal bribery and attempted tax evasion case. He later pleaded guilty.
Another Memphis-area politician facing a criminal case is former Shelby County General Sessions Clerk Tami Sawyer, who also formerly sat on the county commission. In June, a grand jury indictment accused Sawyer of stealing more than $40,000 from taxpayers.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
