JACKSON, MS (abc24.com) - Southaven Mayor Greg Davis will keep his full paycheck for now, after the judge at Thursday's hearing on the state garnishing his wages told attorneys on both sides, "You've wasted two hours."
Lawyers were in Jackson to debate whether the state can legally garnish Mayor Davis' salary. After two hours of talking the judge had heard enough, telling them they wasted the court's time.
The Hinds County judge said he didn't have enough information to rule yes or no on whether the state can seize Davis' paycheck.
Instead of arguing that issue, lawyers spent the day reviewing the investigation, going back and forth over letters between the mayor and auditor's office. The judge was left with several unanswered questions.
One of the judge's biggest questions: what happens if the state seizes Davis' checks, the case goes to trial and the mayor is cleared of any wrong-doing?
Defense attorney Michael Heilam stated, "We feel very strongly on filings we've made on behalf of Mayor Davis, and we believe we'll have success in the proceedings."
Davis' lawyers remain optimistic. The auditor's office had no comment, saying nothing had changed.
Lawyers have 20 days to answer the judge's questions. After that a new hearing will be set. In the meantime, Davis will continue to get his paycheck.
