Drinking On The Job
The Tennessee Supreme Court has suspended an attorney for misconduct as a judicial magistrate
Effective August 18, 2025, the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended Ray Hal Jenkins from the practice of law for two (2) years as an active suspension with conditions precedent to reinstatement pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.2.
A Petition for Discipline was filed by the Board, containing one complaint that Mr. Jenkins committed professional misconduct by consuming alcohol on several occasions while performing his duties as Judicial Magistrate for Knox County. By these actions, Mr. Jenkins violated Tennessee Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4 (misconduct).
Mr. Jenkins must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4, regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement.
WBIR 10 News reported
A longtime Knox County magistrate resigned Monday following his indefinite suspension for drinking on the job, WBIR has learned.
Ray H. Jenkins, a former Knox County Republican Party chair and past candidate for Knox County General Sessions Court judge, was suspended June 6 in an order signed by General Sessions Court Judge Chuck Cerny.
On Monday, Jenkins sent officials an email stating he would leave.
Responding on behalf of his fellow judges, Cerny, the presiding Sessions Court judge, said in a letter to Jenkins that his resignation would be considered effective July 14 and that he would remain suspended with pay until that date.
Last week Cerny not only suspended Jenkins; he also barred him from returning to two government buildings where the courts operate.
“In addition, and also effective immediately, Mr. Jenkins’ access to the City County Building and the Old Court House is suspended until this order is lifted,” the suspension order states.
A letter informing Jenkins that his access to the buildings was being halted also went out June 6. The Knox County law director and the Public Building Authority, which manages the City County Building and the old courthouse on Main Street, also were notified, according to PBA Administrator and CEO Jayne Burritt.
Jenkins was seen by personnel consuming alcohol while on duty, according to multiple sources. Authorities decided last week to move quickly.
WBIR left a message seeking comment from Jenkins but did not hear back.
He has served almost a decade as a magistrate, reviewing and approving arrest warrants submitted by area law enforcement among other things. The initial request for a warrant or summons must be signed by a magistrate in Knox County.
Citizens also can seek a warrant for criminal prosecution against someone by going to see a magistrate in Sessions Court.
Magistrates, who are lawyers, get a salary and benefits package from Knox County. Jenkins’ annual salary was $109,303.74; job benefits include the county insurance and retirement plan, according to the county.
(Mike Frisch)