Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford, Jr. submitted his resignation letter to his fellow board members during the Wednesday, Feb. 4 committee meetings.
The commission will immediately begin a search for a replacement, to finish the remainder of the former District-9 member’s term. Ford’s second term was scheduled to end on Jan. 1, 2027.
The commission issued a statement on Ford’s resignation: “The Shelby County Board of Commissioners acknowledges the recent news regarding Edmund Ford Jr.’s decision to plead guilty in federal court. The Board of Commissioners received a letter of resignation from Edmund Ford Jr., effective Monday, February 2, 2026. In accordance with Shelby County procedures and state law, the Board will take the necessary steps to appoint a new representative to serve the residents of District 9, ensuring continued representation and uninterrupted constituent services. The Board remains committed to upholding the integrity of county government and maintaining transparency and accountability on behalf of Shelby County residents.”
Ford’s resignation was a stipulation of his guilty plea on five counts of tax evasion in federal court on Monday, Feb. 2. He is also barred from running for elected office again.
“After a great deal of prayer, reflection and familial conversations, I have decided to submit my resignation as the District-9 member of the Shelby County Board of Commissions,” wrote Ford.
He was originally charged with seven federal counts, including bribery and tax evasion.
In the letter, the erstwhile commissioner also took a parting shot at his former peers.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker will sentence Ford on June 12. He remains free on a $25,000 bond. However, he faces up to five years in prison for each count. A trial had been scheduled for next month.
Ford’s attorney, Michael Scholl, said the plea followed negotiations with prosecutors. He said he would comment further after sentencing.
Ford Jr. was indicted on a single charge of bribery and kickbacks on Feb. 28 of last year. He faced a total of six counts of tax evasion. At the time, Ford claimed he was innocent of the charges.
According to the indictment, three unnamed nonprofits deposited $250,000 into bank accounts of businesses connected to Ford. In return, the nonprofits received grants from the Memphis City Council and later the Shelby County Commission from 2017 to 2021, the indictment stated.
Prosecutors allege the nonprofits used the grant money to purchase goods and services from Ford’s personal computer business.
“GOOD. Let’s get you/us that money,” read a Jan. 10, 2021, text from Ford to one “individual” listed in the indictment.
Along with his attorney, Ford was joined by his parents, Memphis City Council member Edmund Ford Sr. and Myra Ford. The latter left the courtroom crying as evidence was read by Asst. U.S. Attorney Lynn Crum.
Ford’s parents have defended their son since his arrest. They were a common sight at commission meetings in the proceeding months, as their son aggressively defended his innocence — along with his seat on the commission — in its chambers.
The second-term commissioner also accused Mayor Lee Harris of attempting to revive a defunct county ethics board in order to remove him from office. Ford also accused Harris, along with several members of his administration and fellow council members, of ethical breaches.
Ford’s resignation letter cast blame at his fellow members for the toxic environment that grew out of Harris’ effort. It singles out the commission’s leadership, in particular. Chairwoman Shante Avante currently leads the commission.
“Throughout my service on the board, I have become the true outlier in this antagonistic environment which no longer focuses on serving constituents. Consequently, this environment serves to elevate and safeguard unqualified individuals to leadership roles that they cannot manage, hurting the constituents instead.”
Meanwhile, Harris reacted positively after the terms of the plea deal were revealed.
“Thank God,” Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris told The Daily Memphian after Ford’s resignation was announced.
Although he said he did not wish criminal conviction on anyone, Harris chided Ford for his treatment of county employees, commission members and the media.
“He has not been very courteous or kind, to say the least,” Harris said.
Ford also held the Memphis City Council’s District 6 seat from 2008 until 2018. He resigned to run for office on the commission.
The Ford family has held multiple elected offices in Memphis and Shelby County over the past several decades. His father, who is the only family member currently holding office, has hinted at retirement when his second term ends Jan. 1, 2028.
Ford Jr. declined to speak with reporters as he left the courthouse.
