A Judge Indicted

The arrest of Roane County Judge Thomas Austin comes as a surprise to a couple of reporters in our newsroom.. Don Dare was particularly shocked to see the Judge in handcuffs. Don had done a couple of stories on a dui case in Austin's court and been warmly received by the Judge. Don considered him extremely helpful in putting his story together.

Catherine Campbell was also surprised. Austin had been a resource to her and other reporters during the Hyatt's murder case.

Of course, Judge Austin has not been convicted, only charged. But the case against him doesn't sound good...not for him or his community.

On a related note, I see that the federal investigation may have been initiated by a complaint from Roane County Attorney Tom McFarland. I've known Tom for years. I first met him when he was a trainer for a fitness club I belonged to. He was a sharp, inquisitive fellow then, and I don't think the years have changed him.