After convicting George Thomas in connection with the murder of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom, the jury in the George Thomas re-trial meted out two life sentences with the possibility of parole.
On June 4, Judge Walter Kurtz stacked those two life sentences and added on another 25 years for the rape conviction, leaving Thomas to serve approximately 120 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.
[Thomas' first conviction in the Christian-Newsom case was thrown out and a re-trial granted when the presiding Judge, Richard Baumgartner, was charged in connection with a pill scandal. Baumgartner made a plea deal in state court and resigned but was later convicted in federal court of lying to investigators.]
During Tuesday's sentencing, Kurtz expressed dismay at the extreme violence and "gratuitous depravity" shown in commission of the crimes. He also noted the unimaginable suffering that the victims endured in the last hours of their life.
Kurtz then "stacked" the two life sentences with parole that the jury had meted out and tacked on another 25 years for the rapes of both victims, effectively ensuring that Thomas will never live to apply for "parole."
Showing posts with label Judge Richard Baumgartner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judge Richard Baumgartner. Show all posts
Friday, June 07, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
May 30, 2013 Former Knox Judge Richard Baumgartner Reports to Federal Prison
Disgraced Knox County Judge Criminal Judge Richard Baumgartner has reported to a minimum security federal prison in West Virginia to serve a six-month sentence following his conviction in federal court for lying to investigators to cover up pill-buys from his mistress.
The News-Sentinel story is here.
Baumgartner presided over a series of trials in connection with the carjacking, torture, rape, and murder of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom. State charges were brought when the TBI came in and investigated his pill-usage and purchases from his mistress Deena Castleman who was a "graduate" of the Drug Court established by Baumgartner.
Baumgartner negotiated a plea deal on the state charges where he pled guilty to official misconduct, resigned from the bench, and received diversion.
Federal charges were then brought and Baumgartner was convicted in federal court of misprision. He is appealing that conviction but elected to go on and serve his sentence while the appeals process moves forward.
In a related story, former DA Al Schmutzer expressed relief over the recent conviction of George Thomas following his re-trial in the Christian-Newsom case. Schmutzer was not involved in the Christian-Newsom trials but acted as the special prosecutor in the state case against Baumgartner and negotiated a plea deal where Baumgartner would resign from the bench, plea guilty to official misconduct, and receive diversion which would allow his record to be wiped clean if his record remained out of trouble for two years. The interview with Schmutzer is here.
Previous blog posts and links to stories about Baumgartner are here.
The News-Sentinel story is here.
Baumgartner presided over a series of trials in connection with the carjacking, torture, rape, and murder of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom. State charges were brought when the TBI came in and investigated his pill-usage and purchases from his mistress Deena Castleman who was a "graduate" of the Drug Court established by Baumgartner.
Baumgartner negotiated a plea deal on the state charges where he pled guilty to official misconduct, resigned from the bench, and received diversion.
Federal charges were then brought and Baumgartner was convicted in federal court of misprision. He is appealing that conviction but elected to go on and serve his sentence while the appeals process moves forward.
In a related story, former DA Al Schmutzer expressed relief over the recent conviction of George Thomas following his re-trial in the Christian-Newsom case. Schmutzer was not involved in the Christian-Newsom trials but acted as the special prosecutor in the state case against Baumgartner and negotiated a plea deal where Baumgartner would resign from the bench, plea guilty to official misconduct, and receive diversion which would allow his record to be wiped clean if his record remained out of trouble for two years. The interview with Schmutzer is here.
Previous blog posts and links to stories about Baumgartner are here.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
May 21, 2013 George Thomas Convicted in Christian-Newsom Re-trial
George Thomas got a re-trial in the Christian-Newsom carjacking, kidnapping, torture, rape, and murder case.
And he was convicted again on multiple counts and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
The NS story is here.
There is also an article in yesterday's NS providing a re-cap of this six-year saga with the unbelievable horror of the crimes, the trials, the pill-popping Judge, and the re-trials. Click here.
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And he was convicted again on multiple counts and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
The NS story is here.
There is also an article in yesterday's NS providing a re-cap of this six-year saga with the unbelievable horror of the crimes, the trials, the pill-popping Judge, and the re-trials. Click here.
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Thursday, April 18, 2013
April 18, 2013 Former Judge Baumgartner "Ready" To Do Prison Time
Although he has appealed his federal conviction on charges of misprision of a felony to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, disgraced former Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner has decided to go on and serve the 6-month prison sentence that was meted out by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer.
Baumgartner was convicted in November 2012 of multiple counts of misprision of a felony for lying to officials to cover up his mistress's drug dealing. His mistress Deena Castleman was a graduate of Baumgartner's Drug Court. In addition to supplying Baumgartner himself with pills, she was involved in a prescription painkiller network.
Baumgartner eventually resigned from the bench during a probe of his activities. In the state case, Baumgartner admitted to charges of official misconduct, received diversion, and was able to keep his $4900/month state pension.
The subsequent federal conviction resulted in loss of his state pension. Baumgartner is appealing the decision by the state retirement system (TCRS) to take his pension away. Click here.
The News-Sentinel has a report and links to other information here.
Previous blog posts are here.
Baumgartner was convicted in November 2012 of multiple counts of misprision of a felony for lying to officials to cover up his mistress's drug dealing. His mistress Deena Castleman was a graduate of Baumgartner's Drug Court. In addition to supplying Baumgartner himself with pills, she was involved in a prescription painkiller network.
Baumgartner eventually resigned from the bench during a probe of his activities. In the state case, Baumgartner admitted to charges of official misconduct, received diversion, and was able to keep his $4900/month state pension.
The subsequent federal conviction resulted in loss of his state pension. Baumgartner is appealing the decision by the state retirement system (TCRS) to take his pension away. Click here.
The News-Sentinel has a report and links to other information here.
Previous blog posts are here.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
April 11, 2013 Former Criminal Court Judge Baumgartner Sentenced to Six Months in Prison
Former Knox Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner was in Federal District Court in Greeneville yesterday.
He sat there as the Defendant, convicted of five felonies and awaiting sentencing.
He told the Judge that his conduct was "pathetic."
His attorneys maintained that the public shame and loss of his pension were punishment enough for the Judge who used his mistress to obtain pills and then lied to cover up his actions--all the while sitting on the bench presiding over criminal trials in Knox County and sentencing others to jail or prison.
Federal prosecutors pushed for at least two years in prison, citing the chaos and costs and toll on the lives of the victims and families of victims of cases over which Baumgartner presided.
The Knox News-Sentinel has the story here
The Sentinel also has a video history here.
For a recap of prior posts on the saga of Richard Baumgartner, click here.
He sat there as the Defendant, convicted of five felonies and awaiting sentencing.
He told the Judge that his conduct was "pathetic."
His attorneys maintained that the public shame and loss of his pension were punishment enough for the Judge who used his mistress to obtain pills and then lied to cover up his actions--all the while sitting on the bench presiding over criminal trials in Knox County and sentencing others to jail or prison.
Federal prosecutors pushed for at least two years in prison, citing the chaos and costs and toll on the lives of the victims and families of victims of cases over which Baumgartner presided.
The Knox News-Sentinel has the story here
The Sentinel also has a video history here.
For a recap of prior posts on the saga of Richard Baumgartner, click here.
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
April 3, 2013 Federal Prosecutors in Baumgartner Case Seek "At Least" Two Years Prison TIme
Disgraced former Knox Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner got off light in the state prosecution of his pill usage while sitting on the bench--diversion and no loss of his state pension.
Then the feds came calling, and Baumgartner was charged and convicted on federal charges of misprision of a felony for lying and trying to cover up and protect his mistress Deena Castleman, a graduate of Baumgartner's Drug Court, who was supplying Baumgartner himself with drugs. As a result of the federal convictions, Baumgartner lost his state pension--which he has appealed.
In recent court filings, federal prosecutors are pushing for prison time on the federal convictions. The filing by the federal prosecutors in federal district court in Greeneville is here. The first 2-3 pages sum up the position of the prosecution--that high profile, educated, well-connected defendants often have educated, well-connected friends who write letters of support in criminal prosecutions. These same well-connected defendants have often held important positions and have made significant contributions to their community.
But, according to the prosecutors, "...none of that changes what Defendant did and the harm his conduct has caused.... as Defendant sees things, his prior employment and educational pedigree are mitigating factors. The opposite is true...." Prosecutors quote from a Sixth Circuit case: "[w]e do not believe criminals with privileged backgrounds are more entitled to leniency than those who have nothing left to lose."
Baumgartner's sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 10.
The News-Sentinel story is here.
[On a personal note, thank you to those who called to prod me to get back to blogging. I have been very busy the last two months, but I will try to get back in the swing of blogging more regularly about local, area, and state news!]
Then the feds came calling, and Baumgartner was charged and convicted on federal charges of misprision of a felony for lying and trying to cover up and protect his mistress Deena Castleman, a graduate of Baumgartner's Drug Court, who was supplying Baumgartner himself with drugs. As a result of the federal convictions, Baumgartner lost his state pension--which he has appealed.
In recent court filings, federal prosecutors are pushing for prison time on the federal convictions. The filing by the federal prosecutors in federal district court in Greeneville is here. The first 2-3 pages sum up the position of the prosecution--that high profile, educated, well-connected defendants often have educated, well-connected friends who write letters of support in criminal prosecutions. These same well-connected defendants have often held important positions and have made significant contributions to their community.
But, according to the prosecutors, "...none of that changes what Defendant did and the harm his conduct has caused.... as Defendant sees things, his prior employment and educational pedigree are mitigating factors. The opposite is true...." Prosecutors quote from a Sixth Circuit case: "[w]e do not believe criminals with privileged backgrounds are more entitled to leniency than those who have nothing left to lose."
Baumgartner's sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 10.
The News-Sentinel story is here.
[On a personal note, thank you to those who called to prod me to get back to blogging. I have been very busy the last two months, but I will try to get back in the swing of blogging more regularly about local, area, and state news!]
Saturday, February 02, 2013
February 2, 2013 Coleman Gets 35 Years
Vanessa Coleman was sentenced yesterday to 35 years in prison for her role in the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Channon Christian. The News-Sentinel story is here.
Coleman was convicted in November in a re-trial that was ordered due to drug activity by the Judge--Richard Baumgartner--who had presided at the first trial.
[Baumgartner resigned and was convicted of official misconduct in state court and received diversion which allowed him to keep his state pension. Later, federal charges were brought, resulting in a conviction and loss of the state pension. Baumgartner is still fighting to keep his pension. ]
Coleman was convicted in November in a re-trial that was ordered due to drug activity by the Judge--Richard Baumgartner--who had presided at the first trial.
[Baumgartner resigned and was convicted of official misconduct in state court and received diversion which allowed him to keep his state pension. Later, federal charges were brought, resulting in a conviction and loss of the state pension. Baumgartner is still fighting to keep his pension. ]
Saturday, January 19, 2013
January 19, 2013 No New Trials for Lemaricus Davidson and Letalvis Cobbins in the Christian-Newsom Murders
Convicted murderers Lemaricus Davidson and Letalvis Cobbins wanted new trials following their convictions in the brutal murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom in 2007. Judge Walter Kurtz said "no." Witnesses and DNA evidence linked Davidson and Cobbins to the crimes. Kurtz affirmed the Davidson and Cobbins convictions acting as Tennessee's "thirteenth juror."
George Thomas, another defendant in the horrific crimes against Channon Christian and Chris Newsom, also sought a new trial. Judge Walter Kurtz said "yes." While there was witness testimony linking Thomas to the crimes, there was no DNA evidence.
Witness credibility was the overriding issue in Thomas' case. Kurtz, who did not preside over the original trials, did not see the witnesses and thus could not rule on witness credibility and ruled that he could not act as Tennessee's "thirteenth juror" and affirm Thomas' conviction.
The NS article is here.
Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner presided over the original trials. Baumgartner was found to have been popping pills during the trials and using a graduate of the Drug Court that Baumgartner himself founded to supply him with pills.
The Baumgartner saga that precipitated the post-conviction chaos is here with links to blog entries and newspaper articles.
George Thomas, another defendant in the horrific crimes against Channon Christian and Chris Newsom, also sought a new trial. Judge Walter Kurtz said "yes." While there was witness testimony linking Thomas to the crimes, there was no DNA evidence.
Witness credibility was the overriding issue in Thomas' case. Kurtz, who did not preside over the original trials, did not see the witnesses and thus could not rule on witness credibility and ruled that he could not act as Tennessee's "thirteenth juror" and affirm Thomas' conviction.
The NS article is here.
Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner presided over the original trials. Baumgartner was found to have been popping pills during the trials and using a graduate of the Drug Court that Baumgartner himself founded to supply him with pills.
The Baumgartner saga that precipitated the post-conviction chaos is here with links to blog entries and newspaper articles.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
January 6, 2013 Baumgartner Wants His Pension
Disgraced Knox County Criminal Judge Richard Baumgartner is trying to get the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) to reinstate the $4900/month state pension that he lost upon his conviction in November 2012 on federal charges.
Here's the tale in a nutshell:
1. Baumgartner presided over the series of trials of the various defendants in the horrific Channon Christian-Chris Newsom kidnap, torture, rape, and murder trials.
2. Baumgartner was taking drugs and having Deena Castleman, his mistress and ex-Drug Court graduate, procure drugs for him.
3. A TBI probe resulted in charges against Baumgartner, and he resigned.
4. Baumgartner was charged with public misconduct.
5. He entered into a plea agreement in March 2011 where he pled guilty in return for diversion--which meant that if he kept a clean slate during the two-year probation period, there would be nothing on his "record" and he could keep his $4900/month state pension.
6. Federal officials came in in May 2012 and indicted Baumgartner on federal charges--misprision of a felony.
7. He was convicted in federal court in November 2012 and lost the pension.
8. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March 2013 in connection with the federal conviction.
Now, Baumgartner is trying to get that pension back. Baumgartner's argument in his appeal of the pension decision is that his crimes did not arise out of his "official" duties as judge. Baumgartner maintains that his pension can only be taken away for crimes connected to his role as a judge.
Click here for the N-S article on the TCRS pension.
Click here for posts and links to articles on Baumgartner.
Here's the tale in a nutshell:
1. Baumgartner presided over the series of trials of the various defendants in the horrific Channon Christian-Chris Newsom kidnap, torture, rape, and murder trials.
2. Baumgartner was taking drugs and having Deena Castleman, his mistress and ex-Drug Court graduate, procure drugs for him.
3. A TBI probe resulted in charges against Baumgartner, and he resigned.
4. Baumgartner was charged with public misconduct.
5. He entered into a plea agreement in March 2011 where he pled guilty in return for diversion--which meant that if he kept a clean slate during the two-year probation period, there would be nothing on his "record" and he could keep his $4900/month state pension.
6. Federal officials came in in May 2012 and indicted Baumgartner on federal charges--misprision of a felony.
7. He was convicted in federal court in November 2012 and lost the pension.
8. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March 2013 in connection with the federal conviction.
Now, Baumgartner is trying to get that pension back. Baumgartner's argument in his appeal of the pension decision is that his crimes did not arise out of his "official" duties as judge. Baumgartner maintains that his pension can only be taken away for crimes connected to his role as a judge.
Click here for the N-S article on the TCRS pension.
Click here for posts and links to articles on Baumgartner.
Friday, January 04, 2013
January 4, 2013 Lemaricus Davidson Submits Affidavit of Bailiff in Push for a New Trial in Christian-Newsom Slayings
In what is already an unbelievable series of events in what many consider the most horrific kidnap-rape-torture-murder crime in Knoxville's history, convicted killer Lemaricus Davidson has raised new issues in support of his bid for a new trial.
Davidson's attorneys have filed the affidavit of a bailiff who served during the 2009 trials. The bailiff claims that the jury had a praise service before deliberations, one juror played the guitar and led the others in singing, and one juror read a Bible verse--Psalm 90, verse 12.
Davidson did not testify in his first trial, but through his attorneys it was claimed that the victims Channon Christian and Chris Newsom came to Davidson's Chipman Street house voluntarily to buy drugs and Davidson's DNA happened to be on Christian's tortured body because he and Channon Christian had been lovers. Davidson was convicted and was the only one of the defendants sentenced to death.
The first trials of Davidson and the other defendants were tainted by the subsequent revelations that the presiding Judge, Richard Baumgartner, was taking drugs that he obtained from his mistress who "graduated" from the Drug Court that Baumgartner established. Baumgartner was allowed to resign but federal authorities later charged him with federal crimes related to his drug activity. Baungartner was convicted in federal court. Click here for prior posts on the Judge Richard Baumgartner saga.
One defendant Vanessa Coleman has already had a new trial and was convicted again in what could be considered a compromise verdict. Click here.
Click here and here for updates on Davidson's motion for a new trial.
Davidson's attorneys have filed the affidavit of a bailiff who served during the 2009 trials. The bailiff claims that the jury had a praise service before deliberations, one juror played the guitar and led the others in singing, and one juror read a Bible verse--Psalm 90, verse 12.
Davidson did not testify in his first trial, but through his attorneys it was claimed that the victims Channon Christian and Chris Newsom came to Davidson's Chipman Street house voluntarily to buy drugs and Davidson's DNA happened to be on Christian's tortured body because he and Channon Christian had been lovers. Davidson was convicted and was the only one of the defendants sentenced to death.
The first trials of Davidson and the other defendants were tainted by the subsequent revelations that the presiding Judge, Richard Baumgartner, was taking drugs that he obtained from his mistress who "graduated" from the Drug Court that Baumgartner established. Baumgartner was allowed to resign but federal authorities later charged him with federal crimes related to his drug activity. Baungartner was convicted in federal court. Click here for prior posts on the Judge Richard Baumgartner saga.
One defendant Vanessa Coleman has already had a new trial and was convicted again in what could be considered a compromise verdict. Click here.
Click here and here for updates on Davidson's motion for a new trial.
Monday, November 19, 2012
November 19, 2012 Coleman Trial: Defense Begins Today
The prosecution in the re-trial of Vanessa Coleman rested its case last week.
Today, the defense begins its presentation.
Coleman is accused of multiple counts of facilitation of crimes against Channon Christian during the brutal kidnapping, rape, and murder of Christian in 2007. Coleman's initial convictions in 2010 were tossed out and a re-trial ordered due to drug use and the impairment of Judge Richard Baumgartner in Coleman's first trial.
The prosecution wrapped up its case on Thursday and Friday last week. News-Sentinel coverage and updates are here, here, here, here, and here.
Today, the defense begins its presentation.
Coleman is accused of multiple counts of facilitation of crimes against Channon Christian during the brutal kidnapping, rape, and murder of Christian in 2007. Coleman's initial convictions in 2010 were tossed out and a re-trial ordered due to drug use and the impairment of Judge Richard Baumgartner in Coleman's first trial.
The prosecution wrapped up its case on Thursday and Friday last week. News-Sentinel coverage and updates are here, here, here, here, and here.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
November 14, 2012 Vanessa Coleman Retrial in Second Day
As a result of the fallout from the admission of drug use and misconduct by Judge Richard Baumgartner, the retrial of Vanessa Coleman is taking place in Knox County with a Madison County (Jackson, TN) jury and Senior Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood presiding.
Coleman was initially convicted in 2010 of facilitation of crimes in the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Channon Christian in Knoxville in 2007.
Day One coverage, November 13, 2012, by Jamie Satterfield of the Knox News-Sentinel is here.
Day Two coverage is here and is updated through the day.
For previous blog posts on Baumgartner, click here.
Coleman was initially convicted in 2010 of facilitation of crimes in the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Channon Christian in Knoxville in 2007.
Day One coverage, November 13, 2012, by Jamie Satterfield of the Knox News-Sentinel is here.
Day Two coverage is here and is updated through the day.
For previous blog posts on Baumgartner, click here.
Saturday, November 03, 2012
November 3, 2012 GUILTY: Jury Convicts Baumgartner on Five Felony Counts
Ex-Knox Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner was convicted in federal court in Knoxville yesterday on five felony counts for lying about his pill-supplying mistress (Deena Castleman) to two judges, a Knox County child support referee, a state prosecutor, and a transitional housing director in order to cover up a drug-trafficking conspiracy involving Castleman.Castleman was a graduate of the Drug Court that Baumgartner founded. She testified during the early part of the trial that she was using drugs again, fell on hard times, and came to see "Judge B," as she called him, for help in May 2009.
She said that "Judge B" admitted his own use of opiates at that meeting and asked her if she could help get them for him. She agreed. A drug and sexual liaison between Baumgartner and Castleman ensued. According to prosecutors and other trial testimony, Baumgartner subsequently lied to various officials to help Castleman.
Prosecutors maintained that Baumgartner lied to cover-up a drug trafficking conspiracy to keep the drugs and sex flowing. Defense attorneys said the lies, if any, were simply out of concern and affection for Castleman.
A recent News-Sentinel article is here,
Baumgartner's sentencing is set for March 27, 2013. He faces up to three years in prison on each count, and up to a $250,000 fine on each count. Significantly, the federal felony convictions may result in a loss of Baumgartner's $4900/month state pension--- a pension that was spared when Baumgartner resigned from the bench in 2011 and later reached a plea deal with a special prosecutor in a prior state action. For more, click here and here.
Baumgartner presided over many high-profile Knox County cases--including the Christian-Newsom kidnapping, rape, and torture trials. New trials against the defendants in those cases have been ordered in the fallout over Baumgartner's pill use and actions.
More from the News-Sentinel is here.
Friday, November 02, 2012
November 2, 2012 Baumgartner Jury Asks Questions, Continues Deliberations
The jury that will determine the fate of ex-Knox County Criminal Judge Richard Baumgartner emerged yesterday to ask questions of District Judge Ronnie Greer.
One felony count against Baumgartner was tossed by Judge Greer.
The jury is considering the remaining six felony counts in which Baumgartner is charged with lying to judges, a prosecutor, nurses, and others in order to cover up a drug-trafficking conspiracy involving his pill-supplying mistress Deena Castleman.
First, the jurors asked what they should do if some of the panel believe that the prosecution has proven all of the elements of the crimes and others do not. Greer informed the jury that their decision must be unanimous.
Later, the jury told Judge Greer that they had reached unanimous verdicts on some counts but not others. At that point, Greer gave the jury two instructions. Reconsider and try to reach unanimity, or issue a partial verdict on some counts and resume deliberations on others.
The panel resumed deliberations and then went home for the day. Jamie Satterfield has the News-Sentinel report here.
This morning the jury will continue deliberations. Click here.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
October 30, 2012 Closing Arguments and Now the Fate of Ex-Judge Baumgartner Is in the Jury's Hands (Updated 10/31/12)
One of seven misprision counts against ex-Judge Richard Baumgartner was tossed by District Judge Ronnie Greer as reported by the News-Sentinel here and here.
Closing arguments ended today, and Baumgartner's fate is now in the hands of the federal jury. The News-Sentinel report is here.
The prosecutor is trying to convince the jury that Baumgartner lied to a judge, a magistrate, a prosecutor, nurses, and others to cover up the actions/drug trafficking of his pill supplying mistress Deena Castleman.
The defense claims that the prosecution has not presented adequate proof and that Baumgartner has suffered enough with the very public exposure of his "personal" wrongs, his plea of guilty to official misconduct, and his resignation from the bench.
UPDATE: A brief summary of the testimony of each person to whom Baumgartner is alleged to have lied in order to cover up the drug trafficking actions of his pill-supplying mistress is reported by News-Sentinel court reporter Jamie Satterfield here.
Closing arguments ended today, and Baumgartner's fate is now in the hands of the federal jury. The News-Sentinel report is here.
The prosecutor is trying to convince the jury that Baumgartner lied to a judge, a magistrate, a prosecutor, nurses, and others to cover up the actions/drug trafficking of his pill supplying mistress Deena Castleman.
The defense claims that the prosecution has not presented adequate proof and that Baumgartner has suffered enough with the very public exposure of his "personal" wrongs, his plea of guilty to official misconduct, and his resignation from the bench.
UPDATE: A brief summary of the testimony of each person to whom Baumgartner is alleged to have lied in order to cover up the drug trafficking actions of his pill-supplying mistress is reported by News-Sentinel court reporter Jamie Satterfield here.
Monday, October 29, 2012
October 29, 2012 Baumgartner's Mistress/Pill Supplier Takes the Stand
Deena Castleman, mistress and pill-supplier to ex-Knox Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner, took the stand last Thursday on the first day of Baumgartner's federal trial.
Baumgartner is accused of seven counts of misprision of a felony for lying to cover up a drug conspiracy involving Castleman.
Castleman, a graduate of the Drug Court established by Baumgartner, testified that she fell back into addiction and, facing financial problems, went to the person who had helped her before, "Judge B," to see if he could help her get a job.
According to Castleman, Baumgartner surprised her when he told her that he loved his opiates and asked if she could help him get them. She answered "yes."
The News-Sentinel account is here.
In a nutshell, Castleman supplied pills to Baumgartner and a sexual relationship ensued as well. Baumgartner helped Castleman with money, visited her in the hospital, and obtained pills from Castleman and her suppliers.
In the second day of testimony, two area judges to whom Baumgartner is accused of lying took the stand. Anderson County Criminal Court Judge Don Elledge testified about a call from Baumgartner in 2009 regarding Castleman. Knox Child Support Referee Stan Briggs testified about a call that he received from Baumgartner in 2010 involving Castleman.
Among others who have testified are Judge Baumgartner's assistant Jennifer Judy and nurses at St. Mary's where Castleman was hospitalized at one point and who saw and spoke to "Judge B" when he came to visit Castleman.
In order to obtain a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the statements made by Baumgartner to Elledge and Briggs and others were made with the intent to conceal Castleman's role in a federal drug conspiracy. The defense contends that any statements that Baumgartner made were solely out of "concern" and "affection" for Castleman and not for the purpose of covering up a drug conspiracy.
The News-Sentinel account of the second day of testimony is here.
The News-Sentinel site has an extensive archive of stories on Baumgartner. Click here.
Baumgartner is accused of seven counts of misprision of a felony for lying to cover up a drug conspiracy involving Castleman.
Castleman, a graduate of the Drug Court established by Baumgartner, testified that she fell back into addiction and, facing financial problems, went to the person who had helped her before, "Judge B," to see if he could help her get a job.
According to Castleman, Baumgartner surprised her when he told her that he loved his opiates and asked if she could help him get them. She answered "yes."
The News-Sentinel account is here.
In a nutshell, Castleman supplied pills to Baumgartner and a sexual relationship ensued as well. Baumgartner helped Castleman with money, visited her in the hospital, and obtained pills from Castleman and her suppliers.
In the second day of testimony, two area judges to whom Baumgartner is accused of lying took the stand. Anderson County Criminal Court Judge Don Elledge testified about a call from Baumgartner in 2009 regarding Castleman. Knox Child Support Referee Stan Briggs testified about a call that he received from Baumgartner in 2010 involving Castleman.
Among others who have testified are Judge Baumgartner's assistant Jennifer Judy and nurses at St. Mary's where Castleman was hospitalized at one point and who saw and spoke to "Judge B" when he came to visit Castleman.
In order to obtain a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the statements made by Baumgartner to Elledge and Briggs and others were made with the intent to conceal Castleman's role in a federal drug conspiracy. The defense contends that any statements that Baumgartner made were solely out of "concern" and "affection" for Castleman and not for the purpose of covering up a drug conspiracy.
The News-Sentinel account of the second day of testimony is here.
The News-Sentinel site has an extensive archive of stories on Baumgartner. Click here.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
October 25, 2012 Baumgartner Jury Seated. Trial Set To Begin Today
A jury has been seated in the federal trial of ex-Knox County Criminal Judge Richard Baumgartner who is charged with seven felony counts.
Ten women and two men are on the panel that will hear opening statements this morning and then testimony will begin. Two alternates, a man and a woman, have also been selected.
The most recent News-Sentinel articles are here and here.
The Baumgartner case was discussed recently on the Dr. Drew show on Headline News. Here and here.
Ten women and two men are on the panel that will hear opening statements this morning and then testimony will begin. Two alternates, a man and a woman, have also been selected.
The most recent News-Sentinel articles are here and here.
The Baumgartner case was discussed recently on the Dr. Drew show on Headline News. Here and here.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
October 24, 2012 Baumgartner Jury Selection; Defense Questioning Indicates Possible Defense Tactic
One-hundred twenty potential jurors have been summoned for the federal case against ex-Knox County Criminal Judge Richard Baumgartner.
Baumgartner is charged with seven counts of misprision of a felony (lying to various officials to cover-up a drug-trafficking conspiracy involving his mistress and pill-supplier Deena Castleman). Castleman was a "graduate" of the Drug Court that Baumgartner founded.
Questions asked by Baumgartner's lawyers indicate that the defense may claim at trial that Baumgartner was addicted to painkillers and that his lies were to cover up his affair with Castleman.
The first 32 jurors were questioned yesterday and six were dismissed for "cause"---two were excused from jury duty for medical or other hardship reasons, and four were excused because of admitted bias. The remaining 26 will move on to the next round of questioning.
A second group of 32 is scheduled to be examined for possible dismissal for "cause" today.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
Previous News-Sentinel articles on Baumgartner are listed here.
Baumgartner is charged with seven counts of misprision of a felony (lying to various officials to cover-up a drug-trafficking conspiracy involving his mistress and pill-supplier Deena Castleman). Castleman was a "graduate" of the Drug Court that Baumgartner founded.
Questions asked by Baumgartner's lawyers indicate that the defense may claim at trial that Baumgartner was addicted to painkillers and that his lies were to cover up his affair with Castleman.
The first 32 jurors were questioned yesterday and six were dismissed for "cause"---two were excused from jury duty for medical or other hardship reasons, and four were excused because of admitted bias. The remaining 26 will move on to the next round of questioning.
A second group of 32 is scheduled to be examined for possible dismissal for "cause" today.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
Previous News-Sentinel articles on Baumgartner are listed here.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
October 23, 2012 Jury Selection in Baumgartner Case Begins Today
Jury selection begins today in the federal trial of former Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner. Baumgartner is accused of seven counts of lying in order to cover up a felony and protect his mistress Deena Castleman who was at the time supplying Baumgartner himself with illegal drugs.
Click here.
For prior posts on Baumgartner, click here.
Click here.
For prior posts on Baumgartner, click here.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
October 20, 2012 Baumgartner Trial Moves Toward October 23 Start
As former Judge Richard Baumgartner's trial on seven felony counts looms on the horizon, the prosecution and the defense are arguing over what evidence comes in and what stays out.
The prosecution thinks that Baumgartner's fling with Drug Court graduate Deena Castleman is fair game since Baumgartner purchased pills from her and is accused of lying to various officials (misprision of a felony) in order to cover up the pair's drug trafficking conspiracy.
The defense is asking Federal Judge Ronnie Greer to exclude evidence of the romantic relationship between Baumgartner and Castleman.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
The prosecution thinks that Baumgartner's fling with Drug Court graduate Deena Castleman is fair game since Baumgartner purchased pills from her and is accused of lying to various officials (misprision of a felony) in order to cover up the pair's drug trafficking conspiracy.
The defense is asking Federal Judge Ronnie Greer to exclude evidence of the romantic relationship between Baumgartner and Castleman.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
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