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Wlaf1450JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- After spending 24 years on the bench, Eighth Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton retired in 2022. His peers, former colleagues along with family and friends honored him and his years of service Friday afternoon.
A portrait unveiling was held in the courtroom where Sexton spent the last portion of his career.
The theme of the remarks offered by those in attendance was that Sexton was fair.
“I never felt disrespected or not heard” when appearing before Sexton, said Eighth Judicial District Public Defender Leif Jeffers.
But it may have been the remarks offered by his friend Judge Kelly Thomas that summed up everything.
“He’s a local boy that made good,” Thomas said.
Thomas, who sat on the state court of criminal appeals for 16 years, said Sexton possessed all the qualities that made for a good judge. “He has been one of the best trial judges in the state,” Kelly said. “He knew what his job was.”
Sexton had acted as a mentor to him throughout his career, said Sexton’s successor, current Criminal Court Judge Zach Walden. “He truly does have a legacy worthy of this tribute,” Walden said.
Eighth Judicial District Chancellor Elizabeth Asbury offered a personal perspective saying she has known Sexton and his family for many years. “I am glad you can have them here with you,” Asbury said of the occasion.
It has been humbling to be part of an institution like the law,” Sexton said.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 2/12/2024- 6AM)
I was given the opportunity to participate in the 8th judicial recovery court program after years of being in active addiction and in and out of the criminal system.Shane Sexton placed me in the recovery court program with his recovery court team and they give me the tools I needed and taught me how to live a sober life today. Thank you Judge Sexton for all your advice and support that helped save my life