District Attorney General Bill Gibson is vowing not to resign in the face of criticism and an investigation into whether he was criminally or ethically wrong in corresponding with a man convicted of murder, that his office prosecuted.
In letters, sent by Gibson to 34 year old Christopher Barrett Adams of Cookeville, The D.A. reportedly gave the man legal advice, encouragement, and religious counsel, both while the murder case was pending in court, and after the man was sentenced, without the knowledge of Adams’ attorney.
Adams is currently in the penitentiary serving a 35 year sentence for robbing and killing an elderly Buffalo Valley woman. He was initially charged with first degree murder, but under a negotiated settlement, Adams pleaded guilty to second degree murder. Adams has also sought post-conviction relief in order to get either a shorter sentence or a new trial.
Reports say attorney’s ethical rules prevent lawyers from secretly talking to other attorney’s clients.
Gibson could lose his law license and possibly be charged with a crime. He is currently under investigation by the TBI and is facing action by the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility.
Gibson contends while he may not have exercised good judgement he was morally right and doesn’t plan to resign.
Gibson says he started writing to Adams in response to correspondence he received from Adams and claims his motive was to make sure that Adams fully understood all his legal options.
Gibson claims he has done nothing wrong and believes he was morally obligated to help Adams, who Gibson claims has become a Christian. Adams apparently has shared his religious experiences with Gibson through some of the letters.
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