Bill Gibson, the district attorney for the Cookeville area, submitted his resignation today to Governor Phil Bredesen. Gibson’s law license was suspended in 2006 after he privately offered advice to a murder suspect and a convicted felon.
Apparently mixing the roles of Christian counselor and district attorney, Gibson advised the murder suspect to reject a bargain which had been offered by Gibson’s own staff in the DA’s office.
Gibson has been absent from the office since his license was suspended but had continued to draw the salary for the elected position.
A joint legislative committee was scheduled to hear the allegations against Gibson next week and determine whether or not to recommend his removal.
WEB EXTRA
A copy of the letter to Bredesen dated April 24.
Dear Governor Bredesen:
I am writing to submit to you my resignation from the office of District Attorney General for the 13th Judicial District. My resignation will become effective on Thursday July 10, 2008 and I will vacate the office on that date. It is my intention that this letter be irrevocable and offered in anticipation of giving you ample time to select a proper replacement for appointment to this office.
It has been my great pleasure to serve the people of Tennessee and the Thirteenth Judicial District in this capacity for the past 18 years. Blessed with an exceptional staff great accomplishments have been made in our area. …..My decision today follows through on that notion of doing what I believe is the right thing under difficult and challenging circumstances.
Sincerely yours,
(signed) William E. Gibson
Our previous story on this issue includes the results of the courts panel which suspended Gibson’s license.
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