A controversy has emerged in Shelby County Criminal Court as Judge Shelia Renfroe faces removal from over two dozen cases following allegations of bias against a public defense attorney.
The motion to disqualify Judge Renfroe, who presides over the Shelby County Mental Health Court Division 9, was heard last week Friday in Judge Christopher Craft’s courtroom.
The petition was filed by a group of public defenders on behalf of Assistant Public Defender Melody Carlisle, who accused Judge Renfroe of creating a hostile work environment, impeding fair client representation, and undermining judicial integrity over the past year.
In her petition, Carlisle detailed incidents and provided evidence, including an alleged remark by Judge Renfroe in 2023 suggesting Carlisle would be held in contempt if she did not leave the courtroom for the day.
The motion also referenced emails dated March 8, where Renfroe reportedly criticized Carlisle’s courtroom demeanor to the Chief of Shelby County Public Defenders, Phyllis Aluko, describing it as disruptive and labeling Carlisle as unstable and a community threat.
Both parties requested to cease working together, prompting Judge Craft to rule in favor of Carlisle on Friday, July 5.
Renfroe has been recused from 28 of Carlisle’s current cases due to actions deemed by Craft as showing “clearly indicative of personal animosity” and a failure to timely recuse herself after the motion was filed.
Despite this decision, Judge Renfroe remains eligible to preside over Carlisle’s future cases, as outlined in the petition.
This development underscores ongoing concerns within the Shelby County legal community regarding judicial impartiality and the fair administration of justice in criminal court proceedings.
