Duncan putting ordeal behind him

Former Trustee John Duncan III, who officially completed the terms of his judicial diversion yesterday, sent over the following comments:

I'm thankful for all of the kind words of support and encouragement I've received today. I'm also thankful that the case has been dismissed and I can finally put this whole ordeal behind me.

The decision to plead a year ago was extremely difficult for me. My dad and my attorney, Jeff Hagood, both strongly recommended that I go to trial and fight the charges. They both believe we would have won. However, I just couldn't put my family or myself through the emotional roller coaster of a trial when I knew the entire case would eventually be dismissed, as it was today.

His father, U.S. House Rep. Jimmy Duncan, also weighed in:

I'm glad the case was dismissed and I am proud of John. For many years before coming to Congress, I was a lawyer and a Judge. After studying the facts of this case, I don't believe he ever should have been charged in the first place. At worst, he made an honest mistake. I will always believe that this case was motivated by some personal and political vendettas against me and our family. Like Jeff Hagood, I encouraged John to go to trial, where I believe his name would have been cleared entirely.

Trustee hires attorney amid investigation

Knox County Trustee John Duncan III finally lawyered up.

On Friday Jeff "Hollywood" Hagood confirmed to me that JD3 hired him to represent him in the latest mess associated with those who think it's a great idea to serve as county trustee. (Remember there's already an investigation going on into the Mike Lowe administration from some years back.)

Anyhoo, Hagood is well-known for repping some high-profile University of Tennessee athletes as well as former UT football coach Phillip Fulmer. He's also done work for the Duncan family in the past.

Duncan has declined to comment.