No special election for law director

The state’s top election official says Knox County’s charter does not allow for a special election to fill the vacancy created by County Law Director Bill Lockett’s resignation.

The opinion from Mark Goins, state coordinator of elections, stated in a letter to Greg Mackay, Knox County administrator of elections, that “the charter does not authorize an election to fill the vacancy.” The law director’s position also is not covered by state law on special elections.

via Election czar: No special election for Knox law director.

BREAKING: Tennessee Supreme Court suspends Lockett’s law license

Former Knox County Law Director Bill Lockett’s license to practice law has been suspended by the Tennessee Supreme Court pending further action.

The order, filed April 13, came at the recommendation of the Board of Professional Responsibility and will be in effect until his final punishment is decided.

via KnoxNews TN Supreme Court suspends Bill Lockett’s law license.

Lockett could lose law license this week

State rules allow for a lawyer to be summarily suspended pending a hearing if they plead guilty to certain crimes involving honesty or the administration of justice, including theft, Chief Disciplinary Counsel Nancy Jones said Monday.

via KnoxNews Lockett may lose license this week.

Lockett pleads guilty, submits resignation

More on the Lockett resignation:

A special prosecutor and state investigator got what county commissioners and a citizens’ group couldn’t Thursday – a resignation from Knox County Law Director Bill Lockett.

via KnoxNews Lockett quits, pleads guilty to embezzling.

Lockett pleads guilty to theft, resigns as law director

Knox County Law Director Bill Lockett pleaded guilty today to embezzling thousands of dollars in fees from his former law firm.

Lockett made the plea this morning before Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner. He’ll serve no jail time but must resign as law director and spend 3 years on probation, special prosecutor Greeley Wells.

Lockett submitted a resignation letter to Mayor Mike Ragsdale and County Commission Chairman Thomas Strickland prior to the court hearing.

via KnoxNews Bill Lockett pleads guilty to theft, out as Knox County law director.