Former Shelby County Commission member Edmund Ford, Jr. has been sentenced to serve 24 months in prison for federal tax evasion.
U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker delivered the sentence Tuesday, Oct. 6, after several postponements. Ford also faces 2-years of supervised release.
Ford has 45 days to report to prison. During sentencing Parker recommended his time be served close to Memphis. The federal prison camp in Millington is a possibility.
“You can put this behind you. Memphis is a needy place, and there’s a lot to be done when you get out,” said Parker.
In early 2025, Ford was arrested following a federal indictment alleging a kickback and bribery scheme. Commission grant dollars were awarded to area nonprofits, in exchange for patronage at a Ford-owned business, E&J Computer Services and Repair. Over $250,000 was funneled to the company in the scheme.
Ford was also ordered to pay restitution. The amount will be set at a later date.That could amount to around 10% monthly of any income he earns.
“Dr. Ford came into this whole thing … he made some bad decisions. Okay, and he admitted he made some bad decisions and he’s trying to correct those,” said Ford’s attorney, Michael Scholl. “Again, this thing is taken care of payment-wise. He was ready to come in and take care of whatever punishment he had to receive today,” Scholl added.
Ford denied the charges until a plea deal was reached in early February. He faced a maximum of 25 years in prison on five counts of tax evasion. One count of bribery and another count of tax evasion were dropped.
During sentencing, the federal magistrate called Ford’s resignation letter from the commission “bold and arrogant.” He was required to resign from the body as a condition of his sentence. He was wrapping up his second and final term at the time charges were filed against him. Ford also is forbidden from holding public office again.
In the letter, Ford largely touted his accomplishments while in office and failed to take responsibility for his criminal conduct by blaming others involved. He also did not mention the indictment and guilty plea.
Ford’s parents accompanied him to the courthouse for sentencing. His father, Edmund Ford, Sr., is currently a member of the Memphis City Council.
