Another Jefferson County Quorum Court meeting devolved into controversy and chaos Monday night, as disputes over procedural legitimacy and decorum led to a walkout by Justices and the eventual arrest of a community activist.
Tensions flared at the outset of the meeting when Justice Alfred Carroll interrupted County Judge Gerald Robinson’s attempt to call the session to order. Carroll declared the meeting “illegal,” citing that the agenda originated from the Judge’s office rather than the County Clerk’s, which he argued rendered the meeting unofficial. He then urged his fellow Justices to exit the courtroom and convene an “official” meeting elsewhere.
Carroll walked out alone, as the rest of the Justices remained seated. However, during roll call, several Justices—Reginald Adams, Reginald Johnson, Patricia Royal Johnson, Rick Victorino, Margarette Williams, Cedric Jackson, and Brenda Bishop Gaddy—did not respond.
Tensions escalated when Justice Reginald Johnson questioned the meeting’s legitimacy due to the apparent lack of quorum. Judge Robinson responded by challenging Johnson’s presence, asserting that if he was in the room, he was effectively present for the meeting. A heated exchange followed, culminating in the mass departure of the seven Justices, effectively ending the session due to a lack of quorum.
Shortly after, the eight Justices who had walked out reconvened to hold what they labeled an official Quorum Court meeting. During this session, local community activist Garland Trice was allowed to address the court. The exchange quickly became hostile when Trice told several Justices to “shut up,” prompting Justice Reginald Johnson to rebuke Trice for his tone.
The situation spiraled further when Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods and his deputies intervened, escorting Trice from the room. Outside, Trice reportedly refused to enter a patrol car, resulting in deputies tazing him before placing him into a patrol car. He was later transported to the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center.
Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. spoke with Deltaplex News about the arrest.
Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson stated that Woods, Jr. has refused to remove people when he has requested it to be done.
Robinson went on to name who he has attempted to have removed in the past, and said it is “unacceptable” that Trice was removed and tazed.
Woods stated that there is a difference between citizens and legislators when it comes to removing someone from a quorum court meeting.
Woods added that Trice was not removed because of a lawsuit he has filed against the eight justices when asked the question by Floyd Donald.
Robinson concluded by saying how the eight members of the Quorum Court are acting is a travesty.
