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The 10-month-old court case between Selma City Councilman Clay Carmichael and former City of Selma Information Technology Director John Kinnerson Jr. was resolved Feb. 23 at the Selma City Court.

Municipal Court Judge Emory Anthony found Carmichael not guilty of a harassment charge made by Kinnerson, who alleged that on Jan. 12, 2023 Carmichael used foul language and called him a racial epithet. 

Anthony said none of the testimony from witnesses brought by Kinnerson’s attorney, Kameisha Logan, were powerful enough for a guilty verdict.

Carmichael, who was represented by Scott Brower, said he is glad to end the months-long case. 

“I’m thankful I was given a fair trial and that the truth prevailed,” Carmichael said. “It’s been hard on my family and I’m glad it’s over.”

The alleged incident followed an emergency meeting of the Selma City Council on the day a tornado ripped through the city. According to a police report filed by Kinnerson, the plaintiff alleges he and Carmichael were involved in a heated discussion in the hallway of council chambers when Carmichael “aggressively moved closer to him,” and cursed at him. Kinnerson alleges Carmichael called him a racial epithet and attempted but failed to incite Kinnerson to strike him.

Selma City Council President Billy Young, City Councilwoman Christie Thomas, Jannie Thomas, Lesia James, Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr., Carmichael’s wife, Amy Carmichael and former Selma City Councilman Tom Headley attended the hearing.