Jimmy Dunn Seeks to Avoid Testifying at August 17 Hearing
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A significant development has occurred in the ongoing public records litigation involving District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn and his office.
On July 21, Tennessee Attorney General & Reporter Jonathan Skrmetti filed a motion in an ongoing public records dispute seeking to prevent Jimmy Dunn from testifying before the court at a hearing scheduled for August 17.
The filing comes less than two weeks after a judge ordered Dunn to appear and testify under oath regarding statements he made in an affidavit submitted to the court.
Background of the Public Records Dispute
The public records case centers on requests for documents relating to allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and criminal conduct involving soon-to-be former District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn.
According to the petitioners, The Gatlinburg Free Press and Erik Cooper, the alleged conduct spans more than 17 years. After litigation, the petitioners prevailed in 2023; however, according to the post, Dunn and the District Attorney General's Office have continued to refuse to produce the requested records.
As a result, the public records dispute has remained pending in Sevier County Circuit Court for nearly three years.
Court Orders Jimmy Dunn to Testify
On July 9, Judge Kelly Thomas, who was specially appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court to preside over the matter after the recusal of Sevier County judges, questioned sworn statements Jimmy Dunn made in an affidavit submitted in lieu of live testimony.
Following those concerns, Judge Thomas ordered Dunn to personally appear before the court and testify under oath.
The hearing was scheduled for August 17.
Motion Filed to Prevent Testimony
On July 21, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti filed a motion for reconsideration asking the court to reconsider its order requiring Dunn's testimony.
According to the filing, the motion seeks to relieve Dunn of the obligation to testify at the August 17 hearing.
The post further states that Dunn is expected to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination if required to testify.
Retirement Announcement Follows Court Order
One day after Judge Thomas ordered Dunn to testify, Dunn announced he would retire effective August 31, ending his eight-year elected term four years early.
Because the retirement announcement came after the deadline for placing candidates on the upcoming election ballot, Governor Bill Lee is expected to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Dunn's term.
Read the Motion
The motion filed by the State is available for public review:
State's Motion for Reconsideration:https://www.flipsnack.com/CB87E98C5A8/state-s-motion-to-avoid-having-jimmy-dunn-testify
Stay Informed
This matter continues to develop, and additional court filings, hearings, and publicly available records are expected in the coming weeks.
No For Newcomb will continue monitoring the case and publishing updates, court documents, public records, and news related to the appointment of the next District Attorney General.
If you would like to stay informed:
Follow No For Newcomb for future updates.
Review publicly available court records and filings.
Share this article with others interested in government transparency and accountability.
Participate respectfully in discussions regarding these ongoing proceedings.
An informed public is essential to maintaining confidence in Tennessee's justice system. As this litigation progresses, we will continue providing updates based on publicly available information.
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