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Kelly named as 1st Judicial public defender
By Becky CampbellPress Staff Writer
bcampbell@johnsoncitypress.comAssistant Public Defender Jeff Kelly was named Wednesday as public defender of the 1st Judicial District, an appointment to fill a vacancy created when Bob Oaks passed away in June.
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Email ArticleGov. Phil Bredesen made the appointment after considering three candidates — Kelly, Assistant Public Defender Bill Francisco and former state legislator and attorney Jerome Cochran.
“I’m very appreciative the governor chose to appoint me to the position. Mr. Oaks served the district admirably ... I will try to do the same in the future,” Kelly said late Wednesday.
Kelly and Oaks were friends and colleagues for many years, he said.
“I know Bob was really dedicated to providing quality representation to the indigent in this court,” he said.
“The public defender’s office will try to maintain that standard.”
Kelly, 54, has practiced law since 1987. He’s spent most of that time as an assistant public defender for the First Judicial District, which includes Carter, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties. He also worked as an assistant public defender for the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy.
“I have great confidence in Mr. Kelly’s qualifications and his ability to perform the important work of the Office of the Public Defender for the First Judicial District,” Bredesen said.
“He has worked in the Office of Public Defender as an assistant defender since the office was created in 1989 and is well respected in that role. I appreciate his willingness to serve the citizens of Tennessee in this capacity. I would also like to honor Bob Oaks and acknowledge his years of service to the state in this position. He will be greatly missed,” the governor said.
Kelly said there were two “worthy” candidates also vying for the position, referring to Francisco and Cochran.
“I feel honored to have been chosen over these well-qualified individuals,” he said.
Kelly will serve as public defender until the next general election in August 2010 when he can run to retain the seat.
He’ll be sworn into office in the next few days, but he said the time and place have not been confirmed. Until that takes place, he won’t take over the duties of the office.