Circuit Court judge says cases before him will remain continued while questions surrounding district attorney’s office are resolved.
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Information Center) — Circuit Court Judge James Gass is taking time to review a motion that could affect the ability of the Sevier County District Attorney General’s Office to prosecute criminal cases following the arrest of District Attorney General James B. “Jimmy” Dunn last week.
Gass was asked Tuesday to consider a motion filed by the Public Defender’s Office that seeks to disqualify the entire District Attorney General’s Office from prosecuting cases because of actions involving Dunn.
Gass did not rule on the motions Tuesday.
Instead, the Circuit Court judge said he will take time to review the filings and consider the legal issues involved.
In the meantime, Gass has decided that all criminal cases currently before him will be continued until the matter is resolved.
The decision means cases scheduled before Gass will not move forward while the court considers the questions surrounding the district attorney’s office.
Gass has served as a Circuit Court judge since being elected in 2017.
The Fourth Judicial District includes Sevier, Cocke, Jefferson and Grainger counties.
The court’s review could determine how criminal prosecutions move forward in the district, but no decision has been made regarding the Public Defender’s Office motion.
Further proceedings are expected as Gass reviews the matter.
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