Who We Are

General Franklin Ammons was born and raised in Knoxville and graduated from West High School in 2006. Thereafter, Franklin graduated from Sewanee in 2010 and from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 2013, where he was a member of the Law Review. Since earning his license to practice law in 2013, Franklin has worked in private practice primarily focusing on criminal defense. He is also licensed to practice before the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. In his spare time, Franklin enjoys history, genealogy, trail running, and college sports.

General Bright grew up in the Shenandoah Valley, in a small town called Falling Waters, WV.  He earned a degree in history at Bridgewater College and his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Sean decided to become a prosecutor after interning in several DA’s offices, including Knox County. After law school, Sean worked in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in Hardy County, WV.  Outside of work Sean enjoys, hiking, road trips, and building flintlock longrifles.

In 1988, ADA William ‘Bill’ Bright received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Tennessee with a Major in Political Science and a Minor in Economics, and in 1992, he was awarded a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.  After graduation from law school, General Bright spent five years working as an Assistant Public Defender in the 22nd Judicial District in the State of Tennessee.  From 1998 until 2001, General Bright served as an Assistant Attorney General for the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Tennessee.  While in this position, he worked with a division of the Attorney General’s Office that assisted in the investigation and prosecution of white-collar crime cases.

During his tenure as an Assistant Attorney General, he handled a number of white-collar crime cases.  From July of 2001 to October of 2007, General Bright worked as the staff attorney for the Division of Municipal Audit, Department of Audit, in the Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury for the State of Tennessee.  In addition to his regular duties as a staff attorney, General Bright assisted in the investigation and prosecution of white-collar crime and public corruption cases involving misappropriation of local government and non-profit funds. From October of 2007 to December of 2011, General Bright served as the chief prosecutor for the White Collar Crime Prosecution Unit for the District Attorney General’s Office for Shelby County, investigating allegations of public corruption, complex theft, and various other types of economic crimes. Since January 2012, General Bright has served as an Assistant District Attorney General in the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office, currently serving as the prosecutor in charge of the White Collar Crime Unit, which also investigates allegations of public corruption, complex theft, and various other types of economic crimes.  General Bright chose a career in public service to assist in the fight against public corruption and persons who take financial advantage of businesses and citizens.  He says his favorite part of his job is helping victims seek justice for wrongs done to them and he is motivated by the desire to assist victims of financial crimes and holding the persons responsible accountable.  A highlight of his career thus far was being the lead prosecutor in Shelby County in the case against Clayton Smart, an individual who stole over $10,000 from a series of funeral homes.  In addition to his prosecutorial duties in Knox County, General Bright is also a Special Projects Manager for our Office.

Jodie Bush joined the Office in 2022 as an Assistant District Attorney. She graduated from the University of Tennessee summa cum laude in 2020 with a pre-law degree and minors in psychology and political science. She participated in the University of Tennessee College of Law’s accelerated 3+3 program and graduated cum laude in 2022. While in law school, she served on the executive board for UT Pro Bono and participated in an advocacy clinic to provide pro bono representation in juvenile defense. General Bush has had one career goal since her junior year of high school, to serve as an Assistant District Attorney. As the first member of her family to earn an undergraduate degree, she is a first-generation college graduate.

Assistant District Attorney Christy Caviness is a native of East Texas but has lived all over the United States. She trained dogs for 15 years before deciding to pursue a career in law. In 2014, she moved from New York to East Tennessee to be closer to family and to attend the University of Tennessee College of Law. While in law school, Christy was very involved in UT’s Legal Clinic. She was recognized as a distinguished student for her work in the Innocence and Wrongful Convictions Clinic and was the 2017 recipient of the Jerry P. Black, Jr. Student Clinic Attorney Award. Her proudest moment in law school was arguing before the Court of Criminal Appeals as a third-year student. Christy graduated in May 2017. Before joining the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office, General Caviness worked as a domestic violence prosecutor in Scott County. Despite the unique challenges inherent in domestic violence cases, she enjoys helping victims and educating the community about the prevalence of domestic violence.

Assistant District Attorney Amanda Cox received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education  from Lincoln Memorial University in 1996. After graduation, she spent two years in the insurance business and then applied to law school, obtaining her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the UT College of Law in 2001. She spent five years prosecuting in the 8th Judicial District before opening her own practice in Campbell County. She then returned to prosecution in 2010 when she came to our office. Since her return, she has prosecuted in Juvenile, Criminal and Sessions Court. She draws inspiration at work from the officers and detectives who respond to scenes every day that most of us would rather not think about or even imagine. As she correctly points out, “There are so many great officers out there who do their jobs for the right reasons and what they experience and have to endure at times is truly amazing.” General Cox says that resolving a case is probably what she likes best about what she does. “Obtaining closure and finality is important for all of the parties, and I enjoy working toward that end.”

Larry Dillon came to East Tennessee from upstate New York to “retire” after three decades of public service litigation with the Oneida County Attorney’s Office, the New York State Attorney General and the Oneida County District Attorney. Retirement was a mere pitstop. With plenty of gas still left in the tank, he looks forward to serving Knox County. Being in the well prosecuting every day is extremely satisfying and very rewarding for General Dillon. In addition to his work in the courtroom in New York, he spent twenty-four years in the classroom teaching criminal justice classes.

Mitch Eisenberg joined the Navy when he was 18 years old to attend the United States Naval Academy, graduating with Merit in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and four years of rugby injuries. After serving for five years as a Naval officer at sea and in multiple shore commands across the country the Navy sent him to law school and he earned a Juris Doctor Degree with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2007. He spent the next six years serving as a military prosecutor and a legal advisor for the Navy, deploying twice aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). In 2013, General Eisenberg earned a master’s degree in Law with highest honors in National Security and U.S. Foreign Relations Law at The George Washington University Law School and then served as a criminal justice policy advisor for the Department of the Navy.

In the summer of 2016, he left active duty to pursue a civilian career in Knoxville and transitioned into the Naval Reserves supporting the Region Legal Service Office Southeast headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida before retiring from the Navy in April of 2020. After having served the country in the Navy, General Eisenberg says he wanted to focus his support locally in the community where he and his family decided to settle down. General Eisenberg is inspired by the fact that inside every case is a victim who needs our support while at the same time justice requires us to consider the defendant as well. He recognizes that the system cannot run itself and says he always tries to remember that everyone connected to the system deserve our best effort.

Greg Eshbaugh, an Assistant DA in Knox County since 2014, previously worked for about 7 and 1/2 years as an Assistant DA with the 4th Judicial District, specifically in Sevierville prosecuting mostly DUIs as a Grant Prosecutor.  He has a History Degree cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law with a concentration in Business Transactions.  After a short time, practicing law on the civil side, he realized that he was never really interested in civil work or criminal defense work and ultimately found prosecution work to be a good fit.  With an Eagle Scout background, he’s always had a public service bent and while he says he respects the work done by defense attorneys, he would rather be protecting the public than criminals.  His favorite part of his job is bringing order from chaos and his inspiration comes from his father who is also an attorney.  With respect to his father, General Eshbaugh says, “I always try to be as smart, honest, and fair as him.”

Assistant District Attorney General TaKisha (“T.K.”) Fitzgerald began prosecuting cases in Knox County as soon as she graduated from law school in 1998, solidifying a most promising career for her.  Her desire to help others and seek justice on a daily basis are what have driven her down the path of public service, and each day at work brings new and more fascinating stories.  General Fitzgerald has received several distinguished awards, including the National District Attorneys Association’s Home Run Hitter’s Club Award, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Commission of Greater Knoxville Advocacy Award, and the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference’s President’s Award.

Assistant DA Steve Garrett became licensed to practice law in 1982, at which time he began his career in private practice and then became a staff attorney for the Department of Human Services. When the Knox County Public Defender’s (PD’s) Office was first created, General Garrett became one of seven Public Defenders. Due to their heavy caseloads representing indigent clients, the PD’s Office made headlines in The New York Times, where the attorneys became known around the country as the “Knoxville Seven.” When Former DA Randy Nichols was appointed as Knox County’s DA in 1992, General Garrett was hired at the DA’s Office, always working under the theory that whatever he is assigned to do, he tries to make sure the Office runs as smoothly as possible.

His favorite part of his job, he says, may sometimes be convicting someone who has hurt someone else or may sometimes be helping a defendant who deserves another chance. General Garrett notes one highlight of his career in March of 2014 when he and General Phil Morton tried Defendant Billy Hill for murdering his mother in 1986. It was a “cold case” where the Police Department had lost all the physical evidence and the lead investigator at the time of the murder had died. Thanks to General Garrett and General Morton, the Defendant was convicted of Second Degree Murder.

In 2018, General Heather Good joined our Office to answer the call of public service. One of the driving forces which led her to become a prosecutor is her experience interning at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the Knox County District Attorney’s Office while she was in law school. She believes there is no greater feeling than to go home at the end of the day and know that you made a positive impact in someone else’s life.  General Good went to East Tennessee State University and majored in Political Science and minored in Legal Studies. She then earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from The University of Tennessee College of Law cum laude with a concentration in Advocacy and Dispute Resolution. In law school she received the McClung Medal for Excellence in Moot Court, the Moot Court Service Award, and the Judge James H. Haynes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Moot Court. She was also the recipient of the 2015-2016 Summers’ Trial Advocacy Scholarship and was recognized as a distinguished clinic student in the Advocacy Clinic.

Jeannine Guzolek served the citizens of Cook County (Chicago and suburbs) for nearly fourteen years before moving with her family to Knoxville, Tennessee.  In Cook County, Ms. Guzolek handled every type of case, ranging from traffic offenses to first degree murder, and everything in between.  Ms. Guzolek could not imagine having any other career besides that of being a prosecutor and feels tremendous gratitude for being able to bring those affected by crime with a sense of justice.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 2004 and obtained her juris doctorate from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 2007.

Assistant District Attorney Amelia Hamilton joined the Office in 2023. She is a United States Army veteran who was born and raised in Homer, Alaska. She was stationed in South Korea and deployed to Afghanistan to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom. After completing her active-duty enlistment, Amelia moved to Knoxville and worked for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. While a deputy with KCSO, she worked in corrections, went through the certified law enforcement academy, trained for patrol, worked in the Courts Division, and served in the Special Services division.

She graduated from Lincoln Memorial University-Duncan School of Law and passed the Tennessee Bar exam in 2022. During law school, she interned with the Knox County District Attorney’s Major Crimes Unit. Outside work, she has volunteered as a Big Sister with Big Brother Big Sister of East Tennessee, tutored for the Joy of Music School, and played the trombone with the Knoxville Community Band.

General Tammy Hicks is a 1997 graduate of the University of Tennessee School of Law. She prosecuted in the 13th Judicial District before returning home to East Tennessee where she began work with our office in 2007. A career as a prosecutor is a fulfillment of General Hicks’ middle school dreams of becoming like her television hero, Jack McCoy, of television’s “Law and Order” fame. General Hicks says that throughout her career as a prosecutor, she’s learned the importance of taking every case seriously, even the more minor charges, given the serious impact those crimes have on victims and the public. She has served in a variety of units within the office including juvenile court, elder abuse, and child abuse, as well as multiple sessions courts.

Assistant District Attorney General James “Del” Holley received his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Auburn University in 1988 and his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1991. He came to our Office from the private practice of law in 1994 after he learned that former DA Randy Nichols was looking for a collections attorney to help the General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office pursue delinquent fines and costs. While General Holley says that being in court every day is his favorite part of his job, he is also fascinated by the variety of his experiences as a prosecutor:

“I have handled criminal cases from traffic violations to first-degree murder charges. I have appeared in General Sessions Court, Juvenile Court, Grand Jury, and Criminal Court. I have drafted pleadings, conducted preliminary hearings, and tried cases in front of judges and juries. I have taught middle and high school students, police department recruits, and law enforcement officers about all types of legal issues. I have made presentations to church and community groups, lectured at professional training events, and appeared on television programs. During my 25 years in the DA’s Office, every day has been interesting and challenging in different ways.”

General Holley is the recipient of the 2015 John J. Duncan, Sr. award for Senior Advocacy (Professional) given annually by the Knox County Office on Aging and Senior Citizens Information & Referral Service and a graduate of Leadership Knoxville (Class of 2007). In October of 2016, he was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam to serve on the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability representing Older Tennesseans in the Eastern Tennessee Region of the State.

Prior to becoming an Assistant District Attorney in 2006, General Hunnicutt worked with the State Legislature as a Legislative attorney with the State Senate. His desire to be in the courtroom and do his part to contribute to public safety led him to seek a career in the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office, where he has, at one point or another, been assigned to all of the General Sessions and Criminal Courts. General Hunnicutt says that the best parts of this career are the people with whom he works and achieving a fair and just resolution to his cases.

Assistant District Attorney General Samyah G. Jubran, a 1995 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, joined the Knox County District Attorney’s Office as a full-time Assistant DA upon receiving her Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree and passing the Tennessee Bar in October of that year. Assigned to prosecute cases in most of the Knox County courts throughout her career, General Jubran has spent the majority of her over 2 decades at the DA’s Office working in General Sessions Court, helping victims of crimes in their pursuit of justice, while also helping many first-time offenders navigate their way through our system. With a primary focus on improving the efficiency of the criminal justice system overall, General Jubran helped initiate the Bonded Arraignment Court and the Misdemeanor Citation Booking process, and she implemented the Expungement Screening process in Knox County.

In addition to her duties as an Assistant D.A. prosecuting cases in court daily and assisting petitioners and attorneys with the expungement process, she was appointed as our Office’s Online Media Director in September 2014 and held that position until December 2017. As the Online Media Director, she oversaw all aspects of launching and maintaining our first ever website, Facebook page, and Twitter page, as well as other creative projects on behalf of the Office. General Jubran, who has been named a Cityview Magazine Top Attorney several years in a row, is inspired daily by the tireless efforts of all her co-workers. As an active member of the Knoxville Community, she raised over $57,000 as the Runner-Up for the Knoxville Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2020 Woman of the Year Campaign and serves in leadership roles with the Ramallah, Palestine Club of Knoxville and the University of Tennessee Knoxville Chancellor’s Associates Program.

Assistant District Attorney General Randall Kilby joined the DA’s Office in 2007 in a continuation of his public service legal career. He first practiced law with Knoxville Legal Aid from 1987 to 1993, followed by his service with the Knox County Public Defender’s Office from 1993 to 2007. General Kilby has always had a desire to help others and improve society, and he says his favorite part of his current job is helping victims, working with other Assistant DAs, and working in coordination with law enforcement. His co-workers and their dedication to our overall mission of seeking justice inspire him daily.

General Kline previously served on the Advisory Board of the Women’s Advocacy Program and of the Knoxville Early Diversion Program wherein the McNabb Center partnered with community organizations to establish and administer grant programs aimed at reducing recidivism in the criminal justice system.  She also previously served on the Board of Directors for Court Appointed Special Advocates of East Tennessee, Junior League of Knoxville, the YWCA, and the Knoxville Montessori School.

Before coming to work at the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office, Assistant District Attorney General Willie Lane says she “flunked out of” a variety of colleges, including a brief stint at the Art Institute in Atlanta. After having her first daughter in 1986, she realized she had to “grow up and get a real job” so that she could support herself and her child. She went back to school, graduating with honors and thereafter began her career as a paralegal. However, after 7 years, she says her boss got tired of her telling him what she thought he should do and he insisted she go to law school. Luckily for us, she graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1996 and has been with the DA’s Office ever since. For most of her legal career, General Lane prosecuted domestic violence cases to not only help victims but to hold the defendants responsible for their actions. With the same zeal, she is currently assigned to the Career Criminal & Gang Unit. Her inspiration comes from the victims’ advocates with whom she is fortunate enough to work, because she knows, much like the nurse in an obstetrics ward, the advocates do the real work and the DA just swoops in at the end for the glory. She is grateful every day to be doing a job she truly, truly loves.

Assistant District Attorney General Debbie Malone received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia in 1994. She then attended the University of Tennessee’s College of Law receiving her Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1997. After a very brief stint in private practice, she joined the D.A.’s Office in January 1998. While in the D.A.’s Office she has worked in every courtroom the Office staffs. She is currently assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit and enjoys helping victims.

Assistant DA Molly Martin graduated from the University of Tennessee Martin in 1995 where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. She moved to Nashville in 1995 and attended Middle Tennessee State University to pursue a career in Education. In 2002, General Martin decided that she wanted to attend law school in hopes of becoming a prosecutor. As such, she attended The Nashville School of Law and earned her Juris Doctor Degree while working full time. After graduating in 2006, General Martin moved to Knoxville and was hired in 2007 at the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office.

Throughout the span of her prosecutorial career, General Martin has been assigned to work in Juvenile Court as well as in all General Sessions Courts.

Following graduation in 2009 from University of Tennessee College of Law, cum laude, Ashley McDermott worked for several years as a Prosecutor in the Sevier County District Attorney’s Office and then joined the Knox County District Attorney’s Office in 2013. As a veteran trial attorney handling cases ranging from First Degree Murder to Rape of a Child, General McDermott currently serves as the Team Leader of the Child Abuse Unit where she manages a team of three attorneys and two support staff members. Ashley McDermott represents the people of the State of Tennessee in cases involving child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, child exploitation, and violations of the sex offender registry.  She uses her more than a decade of experience to protect the most vulnerable victims from predators.

General McDermott was previously a member of the Career Criminal & Gang Unit where she stood up to gang offenders who attempted to intimidate their neighbors into silence. In her spare time, Mrs. McDermott is the Chair of the School Board at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, Troop Leader of Girl Scout Troop 22123, and volunteer basketball coach for Knoxville Youth Sports. Ashley McDermott has been married to another veteran prosecutor since 2010 and has three children.

General Karla Mendez earned her law and political science degrees from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. During law school, she was awarded the Baker Donelson Leadership Award and the Waller Lansden Dortch and Davis Scholarship, and Distinguished Student Award. General Mendez interned at the Knox County DA’s Office while she was in law school. She officially joined the Knox County DA’s Office as an Assistant DA after finishing a fellowship at the UT Legal Clinic. From a young age, Ms. Mendez has wanted to help others and improve society.

Assistant District Attorney General Jordan Murray joined our Office in March 2017 after having previously worked as an Assistant DA at the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee. While at the Shelby County DA’s Office, he was assigned to the Felony Preliminary Hearing Team but also worked within the Domestic Violence Unit and General Sessions Teams. General Murray says that he’s always had an interest in working as a prosecutor and his student internship with the Shelby County DA’s Office erased any doubts that he had about pursuing this career. His favorite part of his job is working within the courtroom and striving to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

The hard work of his co-workers, who oftentimes juggle multiple cases at once, inspires General Murray to work harder at his job. Additionally, he is also inspired by the desire to seek justice for victims who must relive and testify about the crimes that have impacted their lives. General Murray is a 2010 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (History Major, Criminal Justice Minor). He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from Memphis School of Law in May 2014.

Shortly after graduating high school, Price joined the Marine Corps and served four years, including a 9-month deployment overseas as a radio operator. After serving in the military, she moved to Florida to earn a bachelor’s degree in Finance, and then moved to Missouri to attend law school at the University of Missouri. Price spent her law school career focused on criminal law and prosecutorial internships with local prosecutors and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Prior to serving the citizens of Knox County, she served as an Assistant State Attorney in Manatee County, Florida, prosecuting misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony cases.

Assistant District Attorney General Justin Pruitt joined our Office on March 16, 2015. Holding a Master’s Degree in School Psychology, General Pruitt was the Director of the University of Tennessee College of Law’s Pro Bono Projects during his third year of law school and was awarded the William M. Leech, Jr. Public Service Prize and Student Clinic Attorney Award, making him a perfect fit for public service. He has served in the Juvenile unit focusing on their rehabilitative efforts for our community’s youth and currently serves as special prosecutor for cases involving individuals experiencing serious mental illness.

Sean Roberts joined the Office in 2020 as an assistant district attorney. He grew up in Florida and joined the U.S. Army after high school. He was Active Duty Army for six years, being deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Sean graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with an undergraduate degree in Political Science. In May 2020, he graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law. He did mock trial all three years of law school and received the Order of the Barristers for his work in the moot court program. Now, he serves as a coach for mock trial at UT Law.

In his free time, he likes to hike the trails in the Smoky Mountains, camp, and snow ski in the winter. Sean is also a self-proclaimed, “die hard Tennessee Vol.”

Just before graduating from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a degree in classical guitar, Teddy Ryan read David McCullough’s biography: John Adams. He says that it was our second President’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of people, even the British, that inspired him to attend Georgetown Law where he graduated in 2021. After a short stint as a criminal defense attorney, General Ryan worked as an Assistant District Attorney in western North Carolina and then joined the Knox County District Attorney’s Office in 2023.

Chris Scruggs has served as an Assistant District Attorney General since 1998 for the 30^th and 3^rd Judicial Districts. Most recently, Chris has focused on prosecuting narcotics-related crimes, but he has also prosecuted cases ranging from low-level misdemeanors to homicide. General Scruggs earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tennessee and his Juris Doctor at the Nashville School of Law. He is an East Tennessee native and is happy to be serving the citizens of Knox County after more than two decades in West Tennessee.

Assistant District Attorney Caleb Smothers grew up in Camden, Tennessee. He decided to move to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee where Caleb graduated summa cum laude in 2019 as a Political Science major with Philosophy and Sociology minors. Caleb then attended the University of Tennessee College of Law where he was on the Tennessee Law Review and a member of the Student Bar Association. He gained prosecution experience as a summer intern with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee and as an extern with the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office for the 6th Judicial District. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law cum laude in 2022.

Assistant DA Kevin Teeters graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Summa Cum Laude) and from the University of Tennessee College of Law with his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree (Cum Laude) in 2006 and was thereafter immediately hired at the DA’s Office. His prior career was as an Assistant Golf Professional at Holston Hills Country Club, but his passion for golf has not waned since joining the legal profession. General Teeters says he loves work because every day is a little different and he is always motivated to work: “Not once in my entire ADA career have I dreaded going into the office. It is not just a job to me.”

Jennifer Welch, an Assistant DA with our Office since graduating from law school in 1997, says that she decided to become a prosecutor after she read a non-fiction book about a famous prosecutor when she was 13 years old. She finds her work very fascinating and is inspired by the tireless Support Staff that she has worked with over the years. General Welch says that the highlight of her career has been watching what nuisance closures have meant to people whose streets and neighborhoods were being taken over by drug dealers and prostitution.

Assistant District Attorney General Joe Welker obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree with a Business Major and Political Science Minor from Wake Forest University. He then earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee. Prior to beginning his prosecutorial career, he worked at various places, including Duke Energy, the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Baker Donelson, and the U.S. House of Representatives on Capitol Hill. General Welker is also licensed to practice law in Illinois. 

Noted as a highlight of his career thus far, he led the prosecution of 35-year-old Steven Steelman Jr. who was convicted of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide. Steelman, drunk on moonshine, caused a car crash that killed his son. In addition to his prosecutorial duties, General Welker has also been appointed as our Office’s Intern/Extern Coordinator. He enjoys coaching baseball with his co-workers and takes credit for starting our Office’s kickball team.

Kimberly S. Beckner joined the District Attorney General’s Office as a Legal Secretary in March 2009. She has 38 years of legal experience. She moved to Knoxville from Clintwood, Virginia to further her career in the legal field. In addition to the DA’s Office she has worked at Wimberly, Lawson & Seale; Kramer & Rayson; Frantz McConnell & Seymour; and Daniel & Oberman. In 2009, she decided to explore the prosecution side of the criminal justice system and has been dedicated to the Knox County District Attorney’s Office ever since. She currently assists the prosecutors in the 1st Sessions and 4th Sessions Courts and Expungement Screening, and also assists criminal investigators in warrant screening and processes worthless checks. Ms. Beckner is NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Certified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and says she draws her inspiration from the work her husband does as an Officer with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

Marian is from Knoxville, TN and a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where she earned a bachelors in Sociology. While in school, Marian worked part time at a domestic violence shelter where she found her passion for helping those in need.  In her free time Marian enjoys reading, playing with her two dogs and traveling.

Sheri Burkett came to the DA’s Office in 2008, and has worked as an Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator ever since. Prior to joining our Staff, she worked in the corporate legal field for 15 years before starting her family, and then returned to work for Knox County Schools as an Intervention Aide until 2008. Ms. Burkett experienced personal tragedy when her sister was murdered in 1991, and recognizes that having been through the criminal justice process as a family member certainly took on a personal meaning for her. She says that her favorite part of her job is getting to work with families who have lost loved ones and helping them with their journey through the “system” – “I feel a special bond with them,” she notes. Her daily inspiration at work comes from Assistant DA TaKisha Fitzgerald, realizing how hard she works and her determination to seek justice for everyone.

Ms. Burkett states, “She is as vested in a theft case as she is in a homicide case while at the same time showing an incredible amount of kindness and compassion. Her passion inspires me everyday.” She has experienced many fascinating work-related stories and believes that compassion and patience are virtues for any Victim/Witness Coordinator.

Hannah joined the Office in 2023 as an Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator. Hannah is from Powell, TN and a recent graduate of University of Tennessee Knoxville. While pursuing her degree in criminal justice and a minor in political science, Hannah attended the Office’s citizen academy which introduced her to the work of the office and our mission. Hannah spends her free time with friends, her dog, and reading books. 

Michelle Carter joined the Office in 2018 and currently serves as the Felony Drug Unit Secretary. Previously, she was a legal coordinator for a mortgage company. Born and raised in Knoxville, she is a proud graduate of Halls High School. When she graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2001 with a political science degree she was 7 months pregnant with her youngest son. Michelle enjoys helping citizens of Knox County and her fellow team members through her role as a legal secretary and counts each day as successful if she is able to help at least one person.

Connie Extine has been a member of our Staff since 2011, working a dual role as an Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator and Legal Secretary. She previously owned/operated a garden center in Loudon County, Tennessee and had prior employment in the legal field, but felt the DA’s Office would offer interesting work. Ms. Extine’s favorite part of her job is her interaction with victims and being able to help them during a most difficult event in their lives. She has a strong suit for empathy and intuition, crediting her life experiences in working with the public for those traits, and says she “feels inspired to know and work with so many dedicated, truly good people who believe in what they are doing and want to make a difference.” Her assignment in the White Collar Unit during the Knox County Trustee’s Office criminal probe has given her vast amounts of knowledge and experience in complex legal issues as addressed within a public office. Ms. Extine is NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Certified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

After completing paralegal school in 1993, Susan Forbes began her first job by working at the Knox County DA’s Office as an Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator and Legal Secretary. She has a Paralegal Associates Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. She appreciates the time she previously spent working in the Child Abuse Unit and with victims of sex crimes, noting that that time was a favorite part of her job, but she is inspired every day at work by all victims of crime. Ms. Forbes is NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Certified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Leah Graves was born and raised in Blacksburg, Virginia. She moved to Knoxville after graduating in 2020. Leah is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech, where she earned a Bachelor of Science dual degree in Criminology and Sociology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. While in school she completed an internship at a Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office that sparked her interest in criminal justice and victim advocacy. She joined the Office in 2022 as an Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator and Legal Secretary.

Neilea Hansen joined the Office in 2023 as an Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator. She grew up in Maynardville, TN making her a born and raised East Tennessean. Neilea graduated magma cum laude from Lincoln Memorial University with a bachelor’s degree in social work and worked with domestic violence victims during her internships. Her education and experience formed her desire to positively impact victims’ lives and work in the criminal justice system.

Previously working as a Victim/Witness Coordinator for the Shelby County DA’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee, Heather Houbre always had an interest in helping victims and helping them better understand the criminal justice system. To persist in her passion of helping others, Ms. Houbre joined our Office as an Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator in 2011. Being in court is her favorite part of her job and she is motivated knowing that out of all of the victims that she helps, whether they are happy with her at the time or not, she knows that we have done our part to try and keep them safe. She says the countless attorneys and support staff who show up everyday to try to make a difference inspire her. Ms. Houbre has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and has completed the following training seminars: National Domestic Violence Fatality Review Initiative in Phoenix, AZ.; Annual Training Conference of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference; and, Domestic Violence Advocate Training: Danger Assessment, Stalking, and Strangulation.

Juanita Loope formerly served as the director of her family-owned childcare center and as a pre-school teacher for Head Start before coming to work at the DA’s Office in 2001 as an Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator. With her faith bringing inspiration to her each day, her favorite part of her job is being an advocate and providing support and encouragement for the victims of crimes, particularly those who are children. She says that she feels blessed to have experienced several incidents of bringing children comfort while also empowering them to be brave and able to tell their stories to the prosecutors pre-indictment and to a jury during trial, thus offering the children hope for recovery. Ms. Loope has received the following certifications: Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification, National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA) National Advocate Credential, and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification.

Mary Loveless is a Knoxville native and is honored to serve her community through this office as a legal secretary. Prior to working in the District Attorney’s Office, she served with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office as a support services technician. In her downtime, Mary enjoys all things outdoors. She is happiest hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains or in the garden with her husband and dog.

In 1996 Legal Secretary Christy Lowe left her position of 6 years as a paralegal at the law firm of Arnett, Draper & Hagood to pursue a career in public service. She has an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies and has definitely found her niche in criminal law. Ms. Lowe says that her motivation at work comes from knowing that this Office is standing up for victims and their rights. She draws inspiration from her co-workers and truly feels satisfied at work “knowing that at the end of the day we are doing good things for our city and community.”

Erin Morrison has the dual role of Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator and Legal Secretary in the DA’s Office. A graduate of The University of Tennessee, she received her Masters Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. Ms. Morrison joined our Office while in graduate school, originally as an assistant to one of our prosecutors in court, and then full-time in 2007 in her current position. She says her favorite part of her job is problem solving – figuring out what, or where, or how she can assist someone in getting the help that they need. Ms. Morrison states, “I think that the attorneys who work in the Child Abuse Unit inspire me, as they have to see and hear things that are incredibly difficult to comprehend and understand from the emotional aspect of life. The other members of Team Justice, such as law enforcement and the personnel at the Department of Children’s Services, also inspire me as well.”

Kristi Nutter joined the Knox County DA’s Office as a Legal Secretary in 2012 after being the Legal Administrator for Egerton, McAfee, Armistead, & Davis P.C., Knoxville for 20 years. She came to our Office seeking a position in the legal system that would offer her new challenges. Her favorite part of her job is seeing justice prevail, and she says she’s motivated at work everyday by her co-workers. Ms. Nutter says, “My co-workers are GREAT and the attorneys I work for are patient and instructive.” Ms. Nutter is NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Certified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

After working more than 27 years in the medical profession, Leigh Anne Owens joined our Office as a Legal Secretary. She is inspired by the compassion and strength shown by assistant district attorneys and victim witness coordinators as they work with victims of crime to seek justice. Ms. Owens enjoys learning about and interacting with the different aspects of the criminal justice system, and helping people along the way.

Shelby Reynolds was born and raised in South Knoxville. She joined the office in 2024 as an Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator, and is a graduate of King University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.  Shelby finds pride in working alongside her coworkers to support and assist victims within our community. When she is not in the office, Shelby enjoys attending Vol sporting events, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Rylee Rudder joined the Office in 2023 as an Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator. She is no stranger to the City County Building since her dad and grandfather both served Knox County through various roles in government. She grew up in Knoxville, is a Bearden Bulldog, and, in line with tradition, is all Vol!

Since graduating from college in 1990, Becky Simpson has been a Legal Secretary in the DA’s Office. She has always had a passion for helping people, and felt her calling was in criminal justice. Ms. Simpson goes above and beyond the call of duty every day helping people in Juvenile Court, and does what she can to help kids in the system turn their lives around for the better. She hopes these kids take advantage of their opportunities for help from the Juvenile Court system before they commit a serious offense that results in them being transferred as an adult for prosecution in Criminal Court.

Kaitlyn Smith joined the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office in 2020 as an office receptionist. Since then, she has joined the Felony Sessions Unit as a legal secretary. In 2014, Kaitlin moved to East Tennessee from Oregon with her husband and two daughters. Before joining the office, she was as an administrative assistant at a local church. She takes joy in organizing all things, from files to houses. In her free time, she also enjoys playing board games with her family, taking vacations to the beach, and serving the community through her church.

Leah is a dedicated professional who joined our office after gaining valuable experience as a 911 dispatcher and working with LEIDS for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.  A graduate of Doyle High School, Leah’s passion for law enforcement is deeply rooted in her family history, as both of her grandfathers served in this field.  In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her two dogs, gardening, traveling, and discovering new restaurants.  Leah’s commitment to helping others and her family’s influence have driven her to pursue a career where she can contribute to ensuring justice for all.

Tracee Smith has been an Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator in the DA’s Office since 2000 after having previously worked as the Children’s Program Director for Haven House Domestic Violence Shelter. She joined our Staff to be able to give victims a voice, emphasizing that her favorite part of her job is working with victims. Ms. Smith, who is NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Certified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, is motivated everyday to make a difference in our community, and says that the highlight of her career thus far has been her work on drug overdose cases. To help remind the community about the tragic loss of life as a result of drug overdoses, each Christmas season Ms. Smith displays an “Overdose Memorial Tree” outside of our Office.

Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator Kara Sowards received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, graduating with a 4.0 grade point average. For her first job after college, Ms. Sowards joined our Staff in 2011 after losing her best friend to a violent crime. She says she loves being in court and her co-workers inspire and motivate her.

Marsha Sparks has been a member of the DA’s Office since 2002 after a prior 3-year position with the United States Attorney’s Office in their Asset Forfeiture Department. She previously worked with defense attorney John P. Valliant, Jr. as a Secretary/Office Manager from 1990-1993 and following that job she enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom from 1993-1999. Ms. Sparks says her favorite part of her job at our Office is interacting with other people and her terrific co-workers. She is NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Certified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and, in addition to her friendly disposition, is proficient at multi-tasking in her dual roles as one of our Receptionists and as a Legal Secretary.

Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator and Legal Secretary Jennifer Stout was previously employed as an Office Manager at The Children’s Center of Knoxville, a local non-profit childcare center funded by the United Way, before she joined the DA’s Office in 2009. She has always been interested in the legal field and, after watching a jury trial in Criminal Court, decided to apply for a position here. Early in her career here, she worked daily in a General Sessions courtroom as an assistant to one of the prosecutors, which reinforced the idea that her job varies each day and is not “routine.” Indeed, one time she appeared on National Geographic for a television reality show entitled “Snake Salvation” about a snake-handling preacher our Office prosecuted!

On a more serious note, Ms. Stout feels inspired each day knowing that she is assisting in the prosecution of those who are driving under the influence, as she herself experienced personal tragedy when a drunk driver killed her grandfather. In addition to her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies, Ms. Stout is NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Certified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Kim Strike has been an Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator in our Office since 2003 after working in the Knox County Public Defender’s Office for six years. Since joining our Staff, Ms. Strike finds herself frequently becoming attached to the families of murder victims and other victims during this most difficult time of their lives.

Cindy Vanosdale has been an Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator in our Office since 2008. Prior to joining our team, she was a Victim Advocate with the Knoxville Police Department and YWCA, working at the Family Justice Center. Certified by the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), Ms. Vanosdale also utilizes her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies when assisting her co-workers in trial. Her passion for the law and court procedures has helped her gain a better understanding of the needs of victims, which in turn has allowed her to make the court experience more bearable for victims in unfortunate and often tragic situations. Ms. Vanosdale says that her job is so rewarding because of her involvement in helping victims, and she feels so very blessed and honored to be able to serve those who have been devastated by crime.

Lauren Ward joined the DA’s Office as a Receptionist and Legal Secretary in May 2017 after a prior 5-year Law Clerk position with criminal defense firm Hindman & Lanzon. She received her Bachelor of History Degree from the University of Tennessee in 2016 and joined our Office with the intention of helping victims and viewing the criminal justice system from a different perspective. Ms. Ward says that her favorite part of her job is learning about the details involved in cases since no two cases are the same. She loves communicating with people and helping them find answers to their questions. Her co-workers and law enforcement officers motivate her daily, and she is inspired by the impact our Office makes in the community.

Connie Watts joined our Office in 2005 as a Legal Secretary. In addition to previously owning her own transcription service, Ms. Watt’s legal background includes working in the Appellate Division of the Oakland County, Michigan Prosecutor’s Office during Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s assisted-suicide cases. As a member of our Staff, she is certified through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to process National Crime Information Center (NCIC) inquiries.

Brittany Wilhelmson joined Team Justice in 2022 as an assistant victim/witness coordinator and legal secretary. Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, she is committed to supporting community safety and helping victims of crime. Before coming to the District Attorney’s Office, Brittany served with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office as a records clerk. She is a Knoxville native and enjoys spending her time outside of work with her family and watching the Atlanta Braves play as much as possible.

Cathleen Wilson joined the office in 2021. Since 2014, Cathleen gained experience working in the Magistrate’s office and the Criminal Courts. Cathleen’s hobbies include baking, crafting, gardening, as well as traveling. She has made several trips to Belize to assist with bringing school supplies and clothing to children. She is the middle child of a family of nine children and enjoys family gatherings and holidays.

Kelly Wilson joined the DA’s Office as a Legal Secretary in 2014 and has served as a Victim/Witness Coordinator in the Felony Drug Unit and Domestic Violence units. Previously in her career, she worked as an Administrative Secretary in the Finance Department of the Knox County Schools Central Office, as a Firefighter/EMT for the City of Knoxville Fire Department, and as the Secretary/Receptionist in Administration at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. She distinguished herself by being voted as the Class President of her graduating class in the Knoxville Fire Department Fire Academy. Ms. Wilson grew up in a family of police officers, which has led to her passion for working in the public service sector. She says General Charme Allen inspires her because she is the first female District Attorney General in Knox County. Ms. Wilson is NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Certified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Marilyn Wilson became an Assistant Victim/Witness Coordinator in our Office in 2000 after having a career as a case manager specialist and job readiness coach at the Department of Human Services in Knoxville. Her favorite part of her job is seeking justice for victims she works with. Ms. Wilson is certified by the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) as a Comprehensive Victim Intervention Specialist.