Memphis, TN - Former Mayor Willie Herenton is at the center of a grand jury investigation in Memphis. Former Memphis city attorney Elbert Jefferson appeared before the federal grand jury Thursday, October 29, 2009.
Jefferson says he turned over a secret tape recording of former mayor Willie Herenton along with documents. Jefferson spent just over an hour with the grand jury before leaving the courthouse. Ted Hansom, Jefferson's attorney says "What they intend to do or who the target is I don't know."
The grand jury is meeting to looking into Herenton's business deals and whether he used his public office to privately profit. One of those deals involves the Greyhound bus station. In addition to Jefferson, City Council Attorney Allan Wade appeared before the grand jury. Wade told reporters " I'm a bit player. I don't know facts. All they wanted to know was about the law. They are lawyers, they can read law as well. "
When talking about the Greyhound bus deal, Wade downplayed the value of the land the downtown bus station sits on. Wade says " I think MATA didn't want it, I don't think its worth anything. I think its a piece of crap. I don't know why anyone would want it. I wouldn't want it."
Attorney Florence Johnson also appeared before the grand jury and would not comment to reporters about her testimony. According to records, Johnson was listed as the person on the option to purchase the bus station. Documents show the check was to be made the "Herenton Investments."
Herenton admitted he is the target of federal investigation. Herenton recently sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney's office saying the investigation was politically motivated.
On Wednesday, Eyewitness News obtained records from the City of Memphis that asked for the records keeper of the city to show up at the grand jury room on Thursday, October 29, 2009. The grand jury has asked for records regarding how much taxpayer money was used to pay Herenton ’ s legal bills.
On Wednesday, longtime Memphis political insider, Sidney Chism confirmed to Eyewitness News that former Memphis City Attorney Elbert Jefferson is being called to the grand jury. Chism says for two years Herenton has been under investigation concerning a redevelopment deal surrounding the Greyhound bus station.
Chism calls it a government witch hunt. Chism says “ I don’t think Herenton did anything to be indicted or convicted of and I don’t think he is going to be. ” Herenton says he received a letter from the government saying he is the target of a federal investigation. Chism says “ It has got to be weighing on his, but he doesn’t show it. ”
