Convicted on felony fraud charges, state Sen. Katrina Robinson could be removed from her District 33 seat in the General Assembly if she doesn’t resign from her post, even before court appeals are exhausted.
Robinson could not be reached for comment this week. But based on her statements following a recent jury verdict and support from legislative colleagues, Robinson doesn’t intend to leave her District 33 post in Shelby County immediately – potentially forcing the hand of Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and the Republican-controlled Senate, which might not look kindly on her conviction on felony charges. Anyone convicted of a felony is not eligible to serve in the state Senate.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally urged Robinson, a Memphis Democrat, to resign last week following the verdict, and “he is hopeful she will come around to that decision,” spokesperson Adam Kleinheider said Wednesday.
Robinson, however, said she still believes she is innocent and was “targeted for prosecution” after the conclusion of a trial in which she was found guilty of fraud in the personal use of nearly $3,500 in funds from her business, The Healthcare Institute.
Her defense attorneys also said they felt federal prosecutors failed to show evidence she wrongfully took money from the business and noted they intend to appeal the case. Robinson’s attorney, Larry Laurenzi, did not return a phone call immediately Wednesday.