Deputy DA Ray Lepone retiring, chief prosecutor Paul Hagerman successor
Prosecutor Paul Hagerman talks to the media after a hearing in Judge Lee Coffee's court on May 30, 2019. Hagerman is succeeding Deputy District Attorney Ray Lepone. (The Daily Memphian file)
Deputy District Attorney Ray Lepone is stepping away from his position at the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office when he retires Aug. 31.
He will be succeeded by Paul Hagerman, chief prosecutor for the Multi-Agency Gang Unit.
Lepone has worked, in various capacities, at the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center for 25 years.
He served as the Deputy DA, which is the office’s No. 2 spot, since February 2018.
Previously, he was an assistant district attorney who served as the chief prosecutor for the Multi-Agency Gang Unit. He led cases such as the 2008 Lester Street shooting, which resulted in the deaths of two adults and four children and serious injuries to three other children. Jessie Dotson, a relative, was found guilty of six counts of first-degree murder in addition to other charges.
Lepone also was formerly a magistrate at the Shelby County Juvenile Court.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee as Deputy District Attorney for the past five and half years,” Lepone said. “I can’t say enough about the amazing public servants who work in the District Attorney’s Office and how blessed I have been to be a part of their team.”
Upon his retirement, Lepone will continue to live in Memphis.
Lepone served as Deputy DA under former Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich’s administration.
Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy kept Lepone in the position during his transition into office.
“As my predecessor’s (No.) 2, Ray provided the stability we needed during this time of transition and a great openness to change,” Mulroy said. “While I understand his desire for a less stressful position, I’ll miss his wise counsel, as will the whole office.
Of Lepone’s successor, Mulroy said: “(Hagerman) has the broad experience, deep knowledge, shared vision and creativity I’ll need to tackle our crime problem and reform the system.”
Hagerman also has worked as the chief prosecutor for multiple high-profile cases, including the killings of Memphis rapper Young Dolph and school teacher Eliza Fletcher.
He was a prosecutor under two previous district attorneys.
As the new deputy DA, Hagerman will oversee the office's day-to-day operations. He will manage 225 employees, including attorneys, investigators and support staff, as well as advise on policy and priorities.
Topics
Ray Lepone Paul Hagerman shelby county district attorney general's officeJulia Baker
A lifelong Memphian, Julia Baker graduated from the University of Memphis in 2021. Other publications and organizations she has written for include Chalkbeat, Memphis Flyer, Memphis Parent magazine and Memphis magazine.
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