News Summary
Robert DeBusk, a former Knox County prosecutor, has been appointed by Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond to assist with the transition to a new statewide justice management system, amidst serious allegations of perjury against him. DeBusk’s employment begins on July 1, and while his salary is under review, his role will exclude any interaction with the District Attorney’s Office. The hiring decision has sparked public concern due to the past allegations, raising questions about the integrity of the justice system in Knox County.
KNOXVILLE, TN – Robert DeBusk, a former Knox County prosecutor, has been hired by Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond following his resignation amid allegations of perjury. DeBusk’s role will involve assisting in the transition of the clerk’s office to a statewide justice management system, a project expected to take years to implement.
DeBusk is set to begin his new position on July 1, 2023, although his salary is currently under review by Clerk Hammond. Hammond expressed confidence in DeBusk’s legal expertise and its potential value to the clerk’s office as it navigates the complexities of the justice management system transition.
DeBusk’s resignation from the Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen’s office came after serious allegations regarding his conduct. Defense attorney Mike Whalen accused him of improperly accessing privileged communications between clients and their attorneys. This allegation led Whalen to seek the disqualification of the DA’s Office from a particular case in which DeBusk was involved. During a court hearing, Whalen claimed that DeBusk had committed perjury related to these allegations.
In the wake of these accusations, DeBusk was suspended from his position in Allen’s office and subsequently resigned. His case has been submitted to the state Board of Professional Responsibility, which has yet to make any public ruling or file criminal charges against him.
Clerk Hammond has confirmed that in his new role, DeBusk will not supervise any staff members and will not interact with the District Attorney’s Office. This decision is likely aimed at maintaining a boundary between DeBusk’s previous work and his future responsibilities.
Robert DeBusk is noted as the grandson of Pete DeBusk, a millionaire entrepreneur. He graduated from the Duncan School of Law in 2016, focusing on criminal law before joining the DA’s office in 2021. The ongoing transition to the statewide justice management system requires careful planning as funding from the state Legislature is still pending.
The implications of DeBusk’s hiring have stirred public concern, particularly in light of the prior allegations against him. Whalen’s accusations underscore a broader mistrust regarding the operational integrity of the DA’s office. If the DA’s office is perceived as unable to uphold the law against its own staff, it raises significant questions about its capacity to administer justice to the general public.
As the clerk’s office prepares to embark on this substantial overhaul intended to modernize the justice system, DeBusk will focus on research pertaining to legal questions emerging from this new direction. His legal background is expected to aid in resolving potential issues as the clerk’s office integrates the new system.
As the situation evolves and further investigations into DeBusk’s previous conduct continue to unfold, the Knox County community will be watching closely. Ensuring a seamless transition to the new justice management system while addressing the serious concerns tethered to DeBusk’s past conduct represents a challenging path ahead for Clerk Hammond and his office.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Motorcycle Accident in West Knoxville Claims Life
Knoxville Traffic Changes Due to Ongoing Construction Projects
Knoxville Unveils New Interactive Art Installation
Shooting Incident at Evape Tavern in Knoxville Leads to Arrests
Judge Steve Sword Promoted to Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals
Knoxville Man Arrested After Allegedly Firing Shots
Knoxville City Council Approves Safety-Enhancing Traffic Cameras
Knox County Prosecutor Steps Back from Biggs Investigation
Investigation Launched into Hope Florida Foundation’s Medicaid Payment
University of Tennessee College of Law Renamed
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Ex-Knox Co Prosecutor Accused of Perjury Now Working for Court Clerk
- Knox News: Knox County Assistant DA Resigns After Allegation He Lied Under Oath
- WBIR: Knox County Assistant District Attorney Suspended
- Knox News: Knox County Prosecutor Previously Reprimanded for Withholding Potential Evidence
- Wikipedia: Legal Ethics
