Gipson loses claim against employee

Holly Springs Mayor Sharon Gipson lost her claim of assault, simple against Holly Springs Police Department employee Vernita Raimey in Marshall County Justice Court Friday, Sept. 15.

Ashland attorney Tony Farese was Raimey’s defense attorney.

Judge Chris Childers of New Albany heard the case as special judge and Joe Marshall, with Rutledge Law Firm in New Albany, was appointed special prosecutor.

Justice court judges Mae Garrison and Cathy Brittenum recused themselves as did county prosecutor Shirley Byers.

Witnesses called for the case included Sgt. James Wright, police chief Grant Glover, assistant chief Darryl Bowens and officer Sgt. Montarious Coleman, and Raimey.

Bowens, the first and only witness called by the prosecution, testified that the alleged incident followed a meeting with Gipson with Glover at city hall, where Gipson advised the chief he was put on active suspension.

Glover returned to the police department the same morning of June 1 to turn in his key and badge and to inform his officers that he had been placed on leave, Bowens said. They were in the conference room with defendant Raimey when Gipson came to the door and knocked and Glover asked Raimey to open the door, which she did about six inches, then released the door.

When the door closed, it clicked and closed and Gipson then used her key fob to enter the conference room, Bowens said.

He said Raimey was not near the door the second time but was seated when Gipson used her key fob to gain entry.

Bowens said upon entrance Gipson advised Raimey to leave several times and the chief said the meeting was over. There was no physical contact between the mayor and Raimey at any time, Bowens said.

Bowens testified that Raimey did not slam the door on the Mayor, but merely opened the door and released it.

Bowens testified that Gipson yelled for Raimey to “get out” about three times when she entered the conference room. He said Raimey at no time touched Gipson, pushed the door or caused bodily injury to the mayor.

Gipson testified she went to the police department to meet with the staff, “to allow a smooth transition.” Normally suspended employees would have been walked out, but she allowed Glover to talk with his team, she said.

Gipson said she was upset, not irate as Farese had alleged, when she entered the conference room. She said she was injured and filed workman’s comp after her doctor’s visit June 2.

Farese said Gipson’s medical record shows she went to Marshall Urgent Care June 2, 2023, the day after the alleged incident, but she filed an affidavit against Raimey June 1, the previous day before seeking medical attention.

She testified she was given prescriptions for pain but filed charges against Raimey the day of the alleged incident, June 1, the day before going to the doctor. Gipson testified she did not yell at

Raimey when she entered the conference room.

Police chief Grant Glover testified that Bowens testimony was correct.

Farese asked Glover is he thinks Gipson felt disrespected.

Glover said he did not know. He did not know Gipson was coming to the conference room and she was not invited. His testimony corroborated that of Bowens.

“Did Vernita Raimey cause an assault on Mayor Gipson June 1, 2023?” Farese asked.

“No,” Glover said. Sgt. Montarious Coleman testified he was present in the conference room and Raimey did not assault, push the door, or cause bodily injury to the mayor. Sgt. James Wright’s testimony also corroborated that of Glover and Bowens, saying he did not witness Raimey assault Gipson.

Raimey testified that Glover called them in to advise he had been placed on administrative leave and to turn in his badge. Glover told everyone to continue on with their duties and that Bowens would be in charge.

Raimey said the mayor alleged the door had been shut in her face.

Raimey said she told Gipson she did not respect her and that what people were saying about the mayor was true.

In summary arguments, prosecutor Marshall said the case is a simple assault case.

“The question is did the defendant cause bodily injury,” he said. “The mayor testifies she was blocked.” He asked the court to find defendant guilty as charged.

In closing, Farese said it was one of the “saddest days of this court.” He said Gipson was using the court to punish an employee who told her she didn’t respect her.

He said Gipson’s sworn testimony is not factual. Officers testified Raimey did not push the door and saw no assault.

“She did not slam it. Did she cause bodily injury to Gipson? No. Mayor Gipson jumped to conclusions. She got hot as a fire cracker. She’s got a short fuse, Farese said.

“These employees are afraid for their jobs. She micromanages everything including HSUD (the Holly Springs Utility Department). She has to admit she is angry. That small petite lady felt disrespected. Everybody in that room said there is no assault. She builds her case (the day) after she’s filed her affidavit. She wasn’t assaulted. She felt disrespected. She abuses the criminal justice system. Lawyer Gipson has to admit there is a conflict in evidence. This is Sharon Gipson, citizen, in her official duties has used the system.

Reasonable doubt, you bet. Absolutely. I ask the court to find her not guilty. It is clear the state has not met their burden of proof,” Farese said.

Judge Childers said in most assault cases in justice court you have the client and the defendant only.

He said it is rare to have these many witnesses to testify. In most cases there are no witnesses, he said. Just two people on opposite sides.

“Based upon testimony today, I have not found beyond a reasonable doubt. I find Miss Raimey not guilty,” Childers said.

Afterward Farese gave a statement.

“We were very pleased with the court’s ruling. The evidence was so overwhelming that Ms. Raimey is absolutely innocent of these charges,” he said. “It is a shame that the leadership of the City of Holly Springs has devolved into the likes of this.”