Suspect arrested in Ole Miss student’s death

A week later, no charges filed against Robert Lipscomb


MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A week ago, Robert Lipscomb was plotting how the city might move forward on the next big community development project.

Now he has had to plot with his lawyer on how to fend off allegations of sexual misconduct.

Lipscomb told WREG his accuser was blackmailing him, but didn't say for what.

"Does it shock you?" WREG asked Lipscomb.

"Not really, because it's been going on for a while; the constant phone calls, harassment,"he replied.

Police Director Toney Armstrong traveled to the Seattle area personally to conduct the initial interview with the accuser.

Officers also interviewed Lipscomb but Armstrong said the investigation was far from over.

"We're not in a rush," he said. "Our goal is to provide a through and impartial investigation."

Criminal Defense Lawyer Claiborne Ferguson handled a lot of sexual assault cases although he wasn't involved in this one.

WREG asked him about the time it has taken in this case.

"Does it mean they don't necessarily have a strong case because we don't see charges right away?" asked WREG's Stephanie Scurlock.

"Oh no. Absolutely not. The police should wait until they have interviewed everyone and have all of their evidence lined up," Ferguson replied.

District Attorney Amy Weirich's office wouldn't comment on the investigation either, because it hasn't been handed over to her yet.

However her assistants who prosecute sex crimes have been conferring with detectives.

Ferguson said this case could take a while, especially since the list of accusers has grown to nine.

"If now they have additional people stepping forward that could slow down the decision to charge so they could also investigate those charges and investigate those crimes to see if they all need to be brought up at one time," he said.
