SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Former Fourth Judicial District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn appeared in court Thursday and entered a not guilty plea to multiple criminal charges stemming from allegations that he improperly used his office to orchestrate the unlawful arrest of a Sevier County man. Former Assistant District Attorney William Brownlow Marsh, who is also charged in the case, filed an arraignment waiver through his attorney and is likewise contesting the allegations.
The case centers on the May 2023 arrest of Erik Cooper, whom a Sevier County grand jury alleges was unlawfully arrested using an incomplete and unauthorized arrest warrant. Prosecutors allege Dunn and Marsh misused their official authority and participated in a retaliatory effort against Cooper after he appeared before a grand jury.
Charges Against Dunn
According to court records and the grand jury presentment, Dunn faces six charges:
- Official Misconduct
- Official Oppression
- Retaliation for Past Action
- Conspiracy to Commit Official Oppression
- Coercion of a State Witness
- Civil Rights Intimidation
Dunn was arrested following the August grand jury presentment and has denied wrongdoing. During Thursday’s court appearance, his attorney entered not guilty pleas on all counts.
Charges Against Marsh
Former Assistant District Attorney Brownlow Marsh faces charges of:
- Official Oppression
- Conspiracy to Commit Official Oppression
The grand jury alleges Marsh obtained an incomplete copy of an arrest warrant that had not yet been finalized and provided it to Dunn, who then allegedly arranged for Cooper’s arrest. Marsh has also denied the allegations and has filed motions seeking dismissal of the charges.
What Investigators Allege
According to the presentment, Cooper was arrested on May 1, 2023, immediately after appearing before a Sevier County grand jury. Investigators allege that Dunn directed Marsh to secure an arrest warrant before it had been properly completed and authorized by the court. The warrant allegedly lacked a finalized bond amount when it was used.
The grand jury further alleges the arrest was carried out in retaliation for Cooper’s prior appearances before grand juries and complaints he had made involving a prosecutor’s conduct. Prosecutors contend Dunn and Marsh concealed details of the arrest, which allowed the case to proceed despite the passage of time since the alleged offenses occurred.
New Developments
The newest development in the case came Thursday when defense attorneys formally moved to dismiss the charges. Dunn’s attorneys argue the allegations should be thrown out, while Marsh’s attorney has now filed a second motion seeking dismissal. Court filings also challenge the credibility and role of Cooper, who is identified as the complaining witness in the case.
Because Dunn served as the elected prosecutor for the Fourth Judicial District, all local circuit judges and the district chancellor recused themselves from the case. The Tennessee Supreme Court subsequently appointed Judge Robert E. Lee Davies to oversee the proceedings.
What’s Next?
The court is expected to consider the motions to dismiss before determining whether the case proceeds toward trial. As of Thursday, no trial date had been announced. Court records show the criminal case remains active and pending before the specially appointed judge.
Dunn, who previously announced plans to retire after more than two decades as District Attorney General, remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Marsh is also presumed innocent as the legal proceedings continue.
