State of Tennessee v. James Robert Howell
E2024-00961-CCA-R3-CD
A Knox County jury convicted the defendant, James Robert Howell, of four counts of
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Ross Dyer
Originating Judge:Judge Steven Wayne Sword |
Knox County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/17/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Jordan Worthington
M2025-01269-CCA-R8-CO
This matter is before the Court upon motion of the Defendant, Jordan Worthington, for review of the trial court’s order denying his motion to modify the conditions of his pretrial release. See Tenn. R. App. P. 8; Tenn. Code. Ann. § 40-11-144. The State opposes.
Authoring Judge: Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.; Judge Timothy L. Easter; Judge Jill Bartee Ayers
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Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/17/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Omerrieal Woods
E2024-00999-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Omerrieal Dywane Woods, was convicted by a Hamilton County Criminal
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Ross Dyer
Originating Judge:Judge Boyd M. Patterson |
Hamilton County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/16/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Joshua McKinley Hammonds
E2024-01839-CCA-R3-CD
A Washington County jury convicted the defendant, Joshua M. Hammonds, of first-degree
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Ross Dyer
Originating Judge:Judge Stacy L. Street |
Washington County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/16/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Baleke Kromah
M2024-01793-CCA-R3-CD
A Rutherford County jury convicted the Petitioner, Baleke Kromah, of sexual battery by an authority figure. On direct appeal, this court affirmed the Petitioner’s conviction. See State v. Kromah, No. M2011-01813-CCA-R3-CD, 2013 WL 781600, at *1 (Tenn. Crim. App. March 1, 2013), perm. app. denied (Tenn. July 17, 2013). In 2024, the Petitioner filed a petition for a writ of error coram nobis, which the coram nobis court dismissed as untimely. The Petitioner appealed, and after a thorough review of the record and the applicable law, we dismiss this appeal because the Petitioner failed to file a timely notice of appeal.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Barry R. Tidwell |
Rutherford County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/16/25 | |
Brittney Faith Swafford v. State of Tennessee
E2024-01666-CCA-R3-PC
Petitioner, Brittany Faith Swafford, appeals the denial of her petition for post-conviction relief, arguing that the post-conviction court erred in concluding that she received the effective assistance of trial counsel. Petitioner argues trial counsel’s failure to retain an expert witness favorable to the defense and to adequately investigate Petitioner’s then undiagnosed mental health condition constituted the ineffective assistance of counsel. She further argues, in the context of her ineffective assistance claim, that trial counsel’s failure to investigate her undiagnosed mental health condition prevented her from entering a knowing and voluntary plea. After review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Matthew J. Wilson
Originating Judge:Judge James L. Gass |
Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/16/25 | ||
Craig Everette Shears v. State of Tennessee
E2025-01600-CCA-MR3-PC
Authoring Judge: Judge Robert H. Montgomery, Jr., Judge Tom Greenholtz, Judge Kyle A. Hixson
Originating Judge: |
Knox County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/16/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Trace Lee Mason
E2024-00843-CCA-R3-CD
The State appeals the trial court’s order granting the defendant’s motion to dismiss the fivecount
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Ross Dyer
Originating Judge:Judge Sandra Donaghy |
Polk County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/16/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Mark Ketron
E2024-00487-CCA-R3-CD
Following the denial of a motion to suppress, the defendant, Mark Ketron, pled guilty to
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Ross Dyer
Originating Judge:Judge William K. Rogers |
Sullivan County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/16/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Aaron Joseph Couvertier
W2024-01526-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Aaron Joseph Couvertier, entered an open plea to one count of aggravated statutory rape, a Class D felony. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court denied the Defendant’s request for judicial diversion and imposed a two-year sentence to be served in the Tennessee Department of Correction at 100 percent service. The Defendant appeals, arguing that the trial court abused its discretion in denying judicial diversion. After review, we affirm the decision of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph T. Howell |
Madison County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/14/25 | |
Bragg Morris v. Tennova Healthcare et al.
M2024-01741-COA-R3-CV
Appellant appeals the trial court’s dismissal of his health care liability action. Because Appellant has not complied with appellate briefing requirements, we dismiss this appeal.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge J. Steven Stafford
Originating Judge:Judge Matthew Joel Wallace |
Montgomery County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/13/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Jacob Columbus Deal
E2024-01810-CCA-R3-CD
In May 2023, the Greene County Grand Jury issued a presentment against Defendant, Jacob Columbus Deal, charging him with three counts of statutory rape by an authority figure and three counts of aggravated statutory rape. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Defendant pled guilty to one count of aggravated statutory rape to be sentenced out of range at ten years as a Range I offender at thirty percent with the trial court to determine the manner of service. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court denied alternative sentencing and ordered Defendant to serve his entire ten-year sentence in confinement. On appeal, Defendant argues that the trial court erred by denying him alternative sentencing. Following our review of the record, the briefs of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jill Bartee Ayers
Originating Judge:Judge Alex E. Pearson |
Greene County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/10/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Phillip Warren Trotter
E2025-01200-CCA-R3-CD
A Blount County jury convicted the Defendant, Phillip Warren Trotter, of statutory rape by an authority figure, incest, attempted statutory rape by an authority figure, and attempted incest. The trial court imposed an effective sentence of twelve years’ incarceration. On August 8, 2025, the Defendant filed a notice of appeal from the trial court’s judgments. Thereafter, the Defendant filed a motion pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Appellate Procedure 8 seeking review of the trial court’s order denying bail pending appeal. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-144. The State has filed a response in opposition to the motion. Upon full consideration of the motion, the response, and the applicable legal authority, the Defendant’s motion is DENIED.
Authoring Judge: Judge Greenholtz, Hixson and Sword
Originating Judge:Judge Harrington |
Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/10/25 | ||
STATE OF TENNESSEE v. DANIEL JOSEPH WILLIAMS
E2025-01399-CCA-R9-CD
The Defendant has filed an application for interlocutory appeal, see Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure 9, seeking review of the trial court’s order denying his motion to suppress evidence seized from a search of his vehicle. The Defendant argues that interlocutory review of the trial court’s order is required to prevent irreparable harm and to prevent needless and protracted litigation. Tenn. R. App. P. 9(a)(1) and (2). The State has filed an answer in opposition to the Defendant’s application. Following our review, the Defendant’s application for interlocutory appeal is DENIED.
Authoring Judge: Judge Steven W. Sword, Judge Tom Greenholtz, Judge Kyle A. Hixson
Originating Judge:Chancellor James L. Gass |
Sevier County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/10/25 | |
Rodney Miller v. State of Tennessee
W2024-01221-CCA-R3-PC
The Petitioner, Rodney Miller, appeals from the order of the Shelby County Criminal Court denying his petition seeking post-conviction relief from his convictions of rape of a child, aggravated statutory rape, and aggravated sexual battery. On appeal, the Petitioner initially argues that the order of the post-conviction court is insufficient for appellate review. He further claims that each of his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance in failing to object to the State’s improper voir dire, in failing to effectively cross-examine the victim at trial, and in failing to adequately advise the Petitioner of his right to testify. Finally, the Petitioner asserts that the cumulative effect of trial counsels’ deficiencies deprived him of his right to a fair trial. After review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge Carlyn L. Addison |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/08/25 | |
Demarcus Keyon Cole v. Julian Wiser, Sheriff
W2025-01502-CCA-WR-CO
Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that the Appellant’s Petition for Writ of Certiorari is DENIED.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Ross Dyer, Judge John W. Campbell, Judge Matthew J. Wilson
Originating Judge:Judge Kyle C. Atkins |
Madison County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/08/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Marcus Anthony Pearson
M2025-00031-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Marcus Anthony Pearson, appeals the trial court’s denial of his motion to correct an illegal sentence pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 36.1. On appeal, the Defendant argues that the trial court did not sufficiently set forth findings of fact and conclusions of law with regard to each argument raised in his Rule 36.1 motion. Additionally, the Defendant contends that his consecutive sentences are illegal because he was not resentenced in accordance with this court’s prior order, and as such, adequate Wilkerson findings were never made to support the imposition of consecutive sentences. Lastly, he claims the amended judgment forms were not entered in a timely fashion. After review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Kyle A. Hixson
Originating Judge:Judge Khadija L. Babb |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/07/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Zachary Thomas Hays
E2025-01324-CCA-R9-CD
The Defendant has filed an application for interlocutory appeal, see Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure 9, seeking review of the trial court’s February 14, 2025 order denying his motion to dismiss a presentment charging him with aggravated stalking. See
Authoring Judge: Judge Steven W. Sword, Judge Robert H. Montgomery, Jr., Judge Kyle A. Hixson
Originating Judge:Judge Scott G. Green |
Knox County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/07/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Nicholas S. Collins
E2024-00836-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant, Nicholas S. Collins, was convicted by a Sullivan County jury of the following offenses: domestic assault, a Class A misdemeanor (count 2); assault, a Class A misdemeanor (count 3); and aggravated domestic assault, a Class C felony (count 5). He received an effective sentence of seven and one-half years’ incarceration. Defendant appeals, arguing that the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions. Upon review of the entire record, the briefs and arguments of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jill Bartee Ayers
Originating Judge:Judge James F. Goodwin, Jr. |
Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/07/25 | ||
State of Tennessee v. Marvin M. Green
E2025-01516-CCA-R10-CD
Before the court is the pro se Defendant’s “Application for Extraordinary Relief.” See Tenn. R. App. P. 10. The Defendant raises two issues for this court’s review:
Authoring Judge: Judge Steven W. Sword, Judge Robert H. Montgomery, Jr., Judge Kyle A. Hixson
Originating Judge:Judge Stacy L. Street |
Unicoi County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/07/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Constance Monieka Every
E2024-01606-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant was convicted in the Knox County Criminal Court of disrupting a lawful
Authoring Judge: Judge John W. Campbell, Sr.
Originating Judge:D. Kelly Thomas, Jr., Senior Judge |
Knox County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/07/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Jessie Rose Hodge
E2024-01455-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant, Jessie Rose Hodge, appeals the Knox County Criminal Court’s decision to deny judicial diversion for her guilty-pleaded conviction of criminally negligent homicide, a Class E felony. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-212. Following our review, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Matthew J. Wilson
Originating Judge:Judge G. Scott Green |
Knox County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/06/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Decory Sanchez Smith
M2025-00056-CCA-R3-CD
A Montgomery County jury convicted the Defendant, Decory Sanchez Smith, of first degree felony murder and attempted aggravated robbery. The trial court sentenced him to life plus ten years. On appeal, the Defendant asserts that: (1) the evidence is insufficient to support his convictions and (2) the trial court erred when it sentenced him by imposing a ten-year sentence for his robbery conviction and ordering consecutive sentencing. After review, we affirm the trial court’s judgments.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Robert T. Bateman |
Montgomery County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/06/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Nathaniel Lee Mitchell
M2024-01039-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant, Nathaniel Lee Mitchell, appeals from his Giles County Circuit Court conviction for reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, for which he received a sentence of two years, suspended to two years’ supervised probation. Defendant contends that the trial court erroneously admitted evidence of a prior incident in violation of Tennessee Rule of Evidence 404(b) and that the evidence of his reckless mental state was insufficient. Following a thorough review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge M. Caleb Bayless |
Giles County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/03/25 | |
State of Tennessee v. Devan Shepherd
W2024-01645-CCA-R3-CD
Devan Shepherd, Defendant, was convicted by a Madison County jury of first degree felony murder, three counts of aggravated robbery, one count of aggravated burglary, and one count of employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, for which he received an effective sentence of life plus twelve years. On appeal, Defendant contends that the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions; that the trial court erred by granting the State’s motion in limine to prohibit any discussion of Defendant’s age at the time of the offenses; and that the trial court erred by not instructing the jury on defense of a third person. Following our review of the record and the parties’ arguments, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Timothy L. Easter
Originating Judge:Judge Donald H. Allen |
Madison County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 10/03/25 |