Wharton Responds to Inspection Flub

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Shelby County Mayor's office stated Thursday that accusations of Mayor A C Wharton's vehicle skipping the required inspection are being investigated and handled immediately, and at the mayor's own request.

Spokesperson Rhonda Turner issued the following statement:

When it came to his attention that a family vehicle may not have been properly registered, Mayor Wharton immediately initiated an investigation, pursuant to the County Ethics Ordinance enacted by the Board of County Commissioners which requires that such issues be turned over to the County Attorneys office for review.

The County Ethics Officer conducted an investigation, finding that Mr. Gerald Fanion, a staff member, physically took possession of a 2000 Mercedes Benz from Mrs. Ruby Wharton for the purpose of obtaining inspection and registration for the vehicle. This occurred several times over the past five years, and the investigation revealed that on two of these occasions Mr. Fanion did not obtain an inspection of the vehicle. Additionally, Mr. Fanion acknowledged that he had failed to obtain inspections for his personal family vehicles as well, registering those vehicles without obtaining the required inspection.

The statements of parties interviewed confirmed that Mr. Fanion offered to take the vehicle through inspection as a favor to Mrs. Wharton, and that all required fees were paid to the Shelby County Clerks Office. Testimony further revealed that Mrs. Wharton understood that the vehicle was being inspected and registered by Mr. Fanion on his personal time.

All witnesses confirmed that neither Mayor Wharton nor Mrs. Wharton was aware that the vehicle had not been properly inspected.

Based on the investigation and report, Mr. James Huntzicker, CAO/CFO for the County, has initiated disciplinary action against Mr. Gerald Fanion. Mr. Fanion has been demoted with a 26% reduction in his annual salary, and has been placed on probationary employment status for six months.