Governor's Office

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the leadership of the Tennessee Criminal Justice Investment Task Force as established by Executive Order 6. “We are committed to addressing all aspects of the criminal justice system to improve public safety and reentry in our state,” said Gov. Lee. “Our task force represents multiple perspectives including law enforcement, state agencies, crime victims and families, community leaders and formerly incarcerated individuals.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed Rachele Gibson of Gibson County as the 28th judicial district public defender to succeed Tom W. Crider. “Rachele has passionately served the 28th district for years and is exceptionally qualified for this role,” said Gov. Lee. “We congratulate her on this promotion and look forward to working together.” Gibson has served as the assistant public defender from 2004-2008 and again from 2013-2019. Previously, she served as the assistant district attorney from 2008-2013. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin and the Nashville School of Law. Gibson resides in Bradford, Tenn. with her husband and two children.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following statement regarding death row inmate Don Johnson: “After a prayerful and deliberate consideration of Don Johnson‘s request for clemency, and after a thorough review of the case, I am upholding the sentence of the State of Tennessee and will not be intervening.”