MEMPHIS, Tenn. –The Byhalia mayor says an alderwoman arrested for a second time will remain in office until the state of Mississippi tells him otherwise.

Delainer Richmond was supposed to be sworn into her third term Monday night, but is locked up in the Marshall County Jail.

Alderwoman Delainer Richmond, former Byhalia Mayor Deborah Tuttle Weathers, and Weathers’ sister, Lori Wilson, were arrested two weeks ago in a burglary case. Richmond was charged with receiving stolen property over $25,000.

Richmond, who had been out of jail on bond in an ongoing drug case, had her bond revoked.

Byhalia Mayor Donald Hollingsworth said Richmond could not attend the swearing-in ceremony, so she signed an affidavit. However, he told WREG that he did not know what the affidavit stated.

“She will stay in office until the state of Mississippi decides differently,” said Mayor Hollingsworth. “There is no statute that an alderman has to come to a board meeting.”

During a Facebook live, Mayor Hollingsworth also told a group of supporters that Richmond was one of his best aldermen.

In June of 2024,  Richmond, 50, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and manufacturing marijuana.

Byhalia police said they responded to an alarm call at Richmond’s home on Katie Lane, and discovered an open door and a shed full of growing marijuana plants.

Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and Byhalia Police said they also found methamphetamine, guns, and a large amount of ammunition after executing a search warrant at the residence.

Despite the drug charges, she was re-elected on June 3.