Will the Secrets Be Revealed? The No For Newcomb Campaign Calls for Transparency Before Tennessee's Next District Attorney General Is Appointed
The appointment of Tennessee's next District Attorney General is approaching, and the No For Newcomb Campaign says one question remains unanswered:
What is being kept from the public?
According to the campaign, the answer lies in a years-long legal battle over documents used during grand jury proceedings in Sevier County—documents that Ron Newcomb and former District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn have argued should not be disclosed under Tennessee's Public Records Act.
The campaign believes the public deserves answers before Governor Bill Lee appoints Tennessee's next District Attorney General.
A Three-Year Fight for Public Records
According to the No For Newcomb Campaign, The Gatlinburg Free Press and Erik Cooper have spent the past three years seeking access to documents allegedly used during grand jury proceedings for nearly two decades.
The campaign contends that these records were used in connection with practices that improperly prevented citizens from presenting testimony before grand juries and that the documents are central to understanding how those proceedings were conducted.
According to the campaign, Ron Newcomb and Jimmy Dunn have maintained that the records are not subject to disclosure under Tennessee's Public Records Act.
Why Does the Campaign Believe These Records Matter?
The No For Newcomb Campaign argues that the documents could reveal how grand jury procedures were handled over many years and whether the constitutional rights of citizens were affected.
According to the campaign, these records may help answer important questions regarding prosecutorial practices and government accountability.
The campaign believes transparency is essential because the Office of the District Attorney General exercises significant authority over the criminal justice system.
Jimmy Dunn's Affidavit
As part of the public records litigation, the campaign points to an affidavit filed by Jimmy Dunn in which he stated that he:
"did not create nor direct the creation" of the documents at issue; and
did not have a "policy or procedure" requiring the documents to be maintained.
The campaign argues that these statements raise additional questions about who created the documents, how they were used, and why they have become the subject of extended litigation.
The affidavit referenced by the campaign can be reviewed here:
Court Proceedings Continue
According to the campaign, Judge Kelly Thomas questioned statements made in Jimmy Dunn's affidavit during court proceedings and ordered Dunn to testify under oath on August 17.
The campaign also notes that, after the court ordered Dunn to testify, attorneys representing Dunn filed a motion seeking to prevent him from taking the witness stand.
The No For Newcomb Campaign argues that these developments make it even more important for the public to understand the facts before a new District Attorney General is appointed.
Questions Raised by the Campaign
The campaign asks several questions, including:
Why have these records remained the subject of litigation for years?
Why are the documents being withheld from public disclosure?
What information do the records contain?
Why has testimony regarding these records become a contested issue in court?
According to the campaign, these questions deserve answers before Tennessee's next chief prosecutor is selected.
Why This Appointment Matters
Because Jimmy Dunn announced his retirement before completing his elected term—and after the election filing deadline—Governor Bill Lee will appoint the next District Attorney General for Tennessee's Fourth Judicial District.
That appointee will serve until the next election in 2028.
The No For Newcomb Campaign encourages Governor Lee to consider each applicant's record, commitment to transparency, and respect for constitutional rights before making his decision.
Make Your Voice Heard
If you believe transparency and accountability should be considered in the appointment of Tennessee's next District Attorney General, contact Governor Bill Lee before a final decision is made.
Governor Bill Lee
Phone: (615) 741-2001
Share Your Opinion Online:
Stay Informed
Visit https://nofornewcomb.com for campaign updates, publicly available court records, legal filings, timelines, and additional information about the appointment process.
Follow No For Newcomb for ongoing updates regarding Tennessee's Fourth Judicial District and the selection of its next District Attorney General.
Paid for and approved by the No For Newcomb Campaign.
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