Frederick H. Agee, a Milan attorney, has been appointed District Attorney General of the 28th Judicial District.
While serving an active duty tour in Kuwait with the Army Reserve; Agee. 41, received a call late Monday (8-hour time difference), October 12 from Lang Wiseman, deputy and chief counsel to Governor Bill Lee, to notify him of his appointment to district attorney.
Following District Attorney Garry Browns’ retirement in September, Governor Bill Lee reviewed applications from attorneys in the 28th Judicial District. Although Agee, a decorated military veteran, has been deployed to Kuwait, he saw this as an opportunity to do more for the communities within the 28th district and applied for the position.
Agee’s interview held through video conferencing, allowing Agee to have an equal opportunity to proceed.
Appointment of a district attorney by the Governor doesn’t happen often. This is an elected position that will be voted on again in 2022. In this case, Brown’s retirement midterm allowed for the appointment from Governor Lee to take place.
“I would like to personally congratulate you on your appointment as the district attorney general,” Wiseman wrote to Agee. “Thank you again for working with us during this trying time and taking the time to interview with us. My team and I enjoyed getting to know you and wish you the very best as you begin this new chapter.”
Agee is the United States Army Central Command Public Affairs Forward Officer in Charge and the U.S. Army Reserve 340th Public Affairs Detachment Commander at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
“It is my distinct honor and privilege to appoint you to the position of District Attorney General for the 28th Judicial District, effective upon your taking the oath of office after physically returning to the district following your current military deployment overseas.” wrote Governor Lee. “Thank you for accepting this offer to serve the citizens of the State of Tennessee.”
Agee is excited to serve the Crockett community where his grandfather, the late Warner Agee, was born.
He wants to protect the community by prosecuting violent offenders. Agee strongly supports Governor Lee’s Criminal Justice Investment Task Force report that Chief Operating Officer Brandon O. Gibson assembled to help reform the criminal justice system and reduce recidivism among offenders.
“I really like Crockett County Sheriff Troy Klyce, his approach to law enforcement and how he cares for his community,” said Agee. “We’re all in this together. The community, law enforcement, lawyers, clerks and judges have to work together and Crockett does that well.”
Other local candidates for the position included Jennifer McEwen, Marc Murdaugh and Hillary Lawler Parham.
“I’m humbled and honored to be appointed district attorney by our Governor Bill Lee,” said Agee. “Thank you for bestowing on me this awesome responsibility to serve the people of Crockett, Haywood and Gibson counties. I really want to thank Deputy Governor Lang Wiseman and COO Brandon O. Gibson. I really appreciate them for allowing me to apply even though I’m serving overseas. They accommodated me and gave me a fair appointment process. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and now it’s my job to build relationships and serve the community and show them I will do a good job as their District Attorney.”
Agee and his wife, Svetlana, own the Smith Building on the Court Square in Trenton where they reside with their daughter Nikolina.
From 7,000 miles away on another continent, Agee posted to the communities he will begin serving upon his return, “I want you to know who your DA is and that my administration is doing all that we can to help as many people as possible. We will focus on prosecuting violent criminals and reducing recidivism for individuals who we believe we can help.”
