MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Otis Jackson is out. The indicted General Sessions Court Clerk lost the Shelby County Primary Election Tuesday night; only 3,400 people actually voted for him. Despite the loss, Jackson may still make a return to office.
Jackson hasn't been at work since last August. He was suspended after being charged with official misconduct. His trial starts in July.
"The real question is what happens when he wins the trial, because I really think he will," said Jackson's attorney, Jay Bailey.
Bailey says if Jackson is found to be innocent, the truth is the judges who suspended him may have no choice but to put him back in office.
"If there is no pending indictment there is no reason for this man not to take his office back," Bailey stated.
Jackson was indicted last year after employees said they were forced to raise money to help with his re-election.
Bailey said of his client's indictment, "You can get a grand jury to indict a dog or a monkey; they don't look too deep into things."
"Appointed employees always raise money for their bosses," Bailey added. "I've been around a long time; to take this man out based on that is a tragedy."
At Jackson's home the morning after the election, no one would come to the door. We wanted to ask him about the big loss; just 15 percent of Democratic voters cast their ballots to return him to office.
Ed Stanton was declared the winner with 37 percent of the vote.
Stanton told abc24.com, "We'd like to bring credibility, accountability and transparency to the office."
If Jackson is cleared of the crime and given his job back, the re-appointment would only be until his original term ends in August.
Jackson's lawyer said he was prepared to lose this race. The truth is, many people wonder why he even decided to run given his legal problems.
