DISTRICT 9

District Attorney

Russell Johnson

Serving Loudon, Meigs, Morgan and Roane County | Tennessee

Both of Gen. Russell Johnson’s parents, Lawrence and Dr. Martha Russell Johnson, were teachers and instilled in him an interest in history and political science from an early age. He was inspired to become a lawyer by his maternal uncle, William Russell, who was both a lawyer and involved with politics. During his late high school career at Lebanon (Va.) High School, Gen. Johnson had the opportunity to follow around a local attorney named Randy Campbell for half a day, once a week. There he was able to watch his first criminal jury trial – a “whisper stop” drug case.

Gen. Johnson stayed focused on being accepted to law school throughout his undergrad at Auburn University. Upon graduation from the University of Tennessee College of Law and passing the bar exam, Gen. Johnson started an independent practice in Loudon County, Tenn. When presented with the opportunity to run for the Tennessee General Assembly in 2000, he took it and served in the Tennessee House of Representatives for three terms.

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Victim Services

Victim Witness Coordinators fight each and every day to ensure all victims are treated with dignity and respect. See how we can help you today!

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Assistant District Attorneys

Bob Edwards

Assistant District Attorney
Criminal Court Supervisor

Mike Davis

Assistant District Attorney
General Sessions Court Supervisor

Kristin Curtis

Assistant District Attorney
Meigs & Roane County Drug Prosecutor

Joe Caldwell

Assistant District Attorney
9th Judicial District DUI & Vehicular Homicides Prosecutor

Chris Rodems

Assistant District Attorney
General Sessions/Juvenile Courts

Jed Bassett

Assistant District Attorney
Loudon & Meigs Criminal Court Prosecutor & Child Abuse Prosecutor

Jonathan Edwards

Assistant District Attorney
Morgan & Roane County Criminal Court Prosecutor & Child Abuse Prosecutor

Jason Collver

Assistant District Attorney
Loudon & Morgan County Drug Prosecutor

Kelly Ingle

Assistant District Attorney
General Sessions/Juvenile Courts

Anna Howard

Assistant District Attorney
General Sessions/Juvenile Courts

Marla Holloway

Assistant District Attorney
General Sessions/Juvenile Courts

Staff

 Tina Jarnagin

Grand Jury Coordinator
Assistant to the ADAs

Karen Joseph

Drug Unit
Assistant to the ADAs

Cynthia Noles

Drug Task Force
Assistant to the ADAs

Charlene Hipsher

Grant Coordinator

Cortney Dugger

ICAC Investigator

Chanel Finnell

Criminal Investigator

News/Press Releases

Facebook Posts

Russell Johnson - 9th Judicial District, District Attorney General

5 days ago

Russell Johnson - 9th Judicial District, District Attorney General
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King Jr. ... See MoreSee Less

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Russell Johnson - 9th Judicial District, District Attorney General

3 weeks ago

Russell Johnson - 9th Judicial District, District Attorney General
Our office welcomes Anna Howard as a new Assistant District Attorney. She fills the open position left by the departure of Anthony Rogers when he was appointed as Morgan County General Sessions Judge on June 1st. Anna is a 2025 graduate of LMU’s Duncan School of Law. She received her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at a university in Queensland, Australia. She most recently worked with the law firm of Clark & Washington in Chattanooga from where she was hired by our office. She is a 2016 graduate of Rhea County High School. Her husband Bryce is an accountant with Tennessee Valley Authority. Anna will be working in the General Sessions Courts. ... See MoreSee Less

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Russell Johnson - 9th Judicial District, District Attorney General

1 month ago

Russell Johnson - 9th Judicial District, District Attorney General
Defendant Pleads Guilty to First Degree Murder on Day Two of Trial -- Receives Life SentenceROANE COUNTY, Tenn. -- On the second morning of trial, the defendant, Clifford Amos Koontz age 53, pled guilty to First Degree Murder for the killing of Deetta Weaver (age 24 of Knox County), accepting a life sentence with the possibility of parole in the Tennessee Department of Correction. The trial began on December 9, 2025, and the plea was entered before testimony resumed on day two. Other pending charges were dismissed as part of the agreement based on the defendant's acceptance of a life sentence.The State was prepared to prove that the defendant waited outside his residence on DeArmond Road in Kingston, TN for approximately 30 minutes or more leading up to the shooting, based on text messages sent beginning at approximately 12:02 a.m. indicating that he was outside waiting, followed by another message sent around 12:37 a.m. stating that he had killed Deetta. The State would have shown that when Ms. Weaver and the defendant's ex-wife arrived and exited their vehicle, the defendant fired, killing Ms. Weaver outside the home.Following the shooting, the defendant provided conflicting explanations to law enforcement, first claiming he went outside simply to check his mail and later stating he went outside to kill a raccoon. He also attempted to justify the shooting by referencing information he had heard alleging Ms. Weaver was threatening to harm his daughter; however, the defendant acknowledged he did not know where his daughter was that night, she was not present, and he could not clearly see Ms. Weaver at the time due to darkness and his own poor eyesight. The State was prepared to prove that the defendant stated he did not know Ms. Weaver was coming that night, yet the text messages and the extended time he waited outside suggested otherwise.When law enforcement arrived, the defendant armed himself again inside the residence and fired multiple rounds toward deputies through the window and wall. The defendant then remained barricaded inside the residence for approximately one and a half hours, refusing repeated commands to exit, while deputies worked under continued threat to secure a witness, attempt to reach Ms. Weaver, and protect nearby residents.Under Tennessee law, a life sentence with the possibility of parole requires the defendant to serve a minimum of 51 calendar years before being eligible to seek parole consideration. Eligibility does not guarantee release."This case reflects the reality of the risks law enforcement takes every time they respond to a call," General Russell Johnson said. "Deputies were fired upon while attempting to rescue a wounded victim and safeguard others. Their response required professionalism, discipline, and courage, and we are grateful for their service."General Johnson recognizes the Roane County Sheriff's Office and the Knox County Regional Forensic Center and Roane County 911 Communications center for their critical work and partnership throughout the investigation and prosecution. The defendant was represented by Kit Rodgers. The State was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Bob Edwards and Jonathan Edwards, with assistance from Victim Witness Coordinator Tami Legg."This resolution brings accountability for the life taken and the grave danger created," District Attorney Johnson stated. "We remain committed to standing with victims, supporting their families, and backing the law enforcement professionals who protect this community." ... See MoreSee Less

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