MANCHESTER, Tenn. — The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has assigned a new judge and court date in Metro Council member Peggy Blackburn’s animal cruelty case.
The local elected official was arrested on January 9 for one count of animal cruelty along with family members Billie Blackburn and Billie Joe Blackburn.
According to the report, an anonymous complaint was received regarding dead cattle located on Dog Tail Road and Womack Ridge Road in Shelbyville. The cattle were reported to be under the care of Peggy Blackburn. Investigator Michael Thomas responded to the area and observed cattle in a pen on Dog Tail Road that appeared injured. The report also states that two dead cattle were observed on Womack Ridge Road in an advanced state of decomposition, with bones exposed.
The investigator contacted the Tennessee State Veterinarian’s Office, and Dr. Jill Johnson responded to the scene. The cattle in question were shown to the veterinarian for further assessment.
Case to be heard by Judge Ewell
According to Circuit Court Clerk Linda Wolaver, Coffee County General Sessions Judge Gerald Ewell will hear the Blackburn case on Friday, April 10 at 9 a.m. in a Moore County courtroom.
On January 20, Moore County General Sessions Judge Terry Gregory recused himself from the case.
Judicial recusals are a routine legal safeguard used when a judge believes there may be a conflict of interest — or the appearance of one — that could call their impartiality into question. Peggy Blackburn currently serves as a Metro Council member in the fourth district. In Tennessee, General Sessions judges are elected by voters, but vacancies are filled by the county legislative body or Metro Council until the next election.
Blackburn was not present in the courtroom on January 20. According to court officials, she has retained Fayetteville attorney Ray Fraley.
This is an ongoing story that will be updated as additional information becomes available. •
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