Pamela Moses was simply trying to register to vote and now she’s been sentenced to a six year prison sentence. 

Knowing that an ongoing probation sentence might block her from exercising her right to vote, Ms. Moses talked with her probation officer to get answers. Her probation officer approved a voting rights restoration form believing her sentence had ended, and sent her on her way. Ms. Moses used that form, signed by her probation officer, to register to vote. Pamela did everything right, but she would soon learn that her probation officer made a grave error; she was still on probation and, therefore, could not legally vote.

Because District Attorney have full discretion of what charges to pursue, Memphis District Attorney Amy Weirich could have decided to not pursue charges against Ms. Moses. Even though she was told by her probation officer that she had regained her right to vote, Ms. Moses was charged with two felonies by DA Weirich. Last week, Pamela Moses was sentenced to 6 years in prison.

Pamela Moses’s sentencing points to the disparities that Black people face when they interact with the criminal legal system in Memphis. Amy Weirich, the chief law enforcement official in Memphis, has a history of misconduct and seeking harsher sentences for her Black constituents. During her time as District Attorney, Weirich has transferred dozens of children, most of whom are Black, to adult court where they face stiffer penalties. After her decision to charge and aggressively sentence Pamela Moses, the need for a broad investigation into the District Attorney office run by Amy Weirich is clear.

Send a message to Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery III and tell him to investigate misconduct and prejudice by District Attorney Amy Weirich.

Here is the Petition:

Dear Attorney General Slatery,
In 2019, Pamela Moses simply wanted to register to vote. Knowing that an ongoing probation sentence might block her from exercising her right to vote. Pamela was given an approved voting rights restoration form from her probation officer who believed that her probation was over. After she received that form, Ms. Moses registered to vote.

Despite being told that she could vote by probation authorities, Pamela Moses was charged with two felonies and she was forced to face trial for her parole officer’s mistake. Last week, Pamela was sentenced to serve six years in prison for consenting to a false entry on official election documents.

Pamela Moses’s sentencing points to the disparities that Black people face when they interact with the criminal legal system in Memphis where police officers are seven times more likely to use force against Black Memphians than they are against their white neighbors.

Amy Weirich, the chief law enforcement official in Memphis, has a history of misconduct and seeking harsher sentences for her Black constituents. During her time as District Attorney, Weirich has transferred dozens of children, most of whom are Black, to adult court where they face stiffer penalties.

Over 20% of Black adults in Tennessee have lost their right to vote because of overzealous District Attorneys like Amy Weirich. After her decision to charge and aggressively sentence Pamela Moses, the need for a broad investigation into the District Attorney office run by Amy Weirich is clear.

Attorney General Herbert Slatery III I am calling on you to launch an investigation into the prejudice and misconduct of Memphis District Attorney Amy Weirich.

Sincerely

[Your Name]