TYLER, Texas — Editor's Note: The above video regarding the trial of Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips' son Derek Phillips aired on March 8, 2024.
The trial for Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips, who is accused of interfering with her son's arrest in March 2023, has been postponed to May.
Karen Phillips is charged with interfering with public duties in connection with her alleged involvement in a March 28, 2023 traffic stop that began with her son Derek Phillips confronting the deputy conducting the stop for another man's tail lights being out.
Court officials said Tuesday her defense lawyer filed a motion to postpone the trial, which was then approved by the visiting judge. The trial, which was set for March 20, has been moved to May 8 in Smith County Court at Law No. 2.
Body cam video showed Derek Phillips yelling, cussing and walking toward the deputy who conducted the stop, Deputy Jonathan Peters, repeatedly. He later ran into the Phillips' home and deputies went into the house to ultimately arrest him.
Documents allege Karen Phillips grabbed a sheriff's deputy and pushed another deputy as these officers tried to arrest her son after he ran into her home.
Earlier this month, Derek Phillips was convicted of interfering with public duties and resisting arrest. He was sentenced to 30 days in county jail for the interfering with public duties charge. He also received 18 months of probation with 100 community service hours, according to jail records.