The integrity of the bench and the bar is paramount to the public’s trust in the legal system. When a judicial officer transitions from upholding the law to violating it through serious criminal activity, the disciplinary response is absolute. For Perry Lee Stout (BPR No. 023917), a former General Sessions Judge and attorney in Johnson County, Tennessee, a high-profile criminal conspiracy has resulted in permanent disbarment.
Effective January 17, 2025, the Supreme Court of Tennessee ordered that Stout be permanently disbarred, ensuring he will never again hold a license to practice law in the state.
The Core Misconduct: Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering
The downfall of Perry Lee Stout stems from a multi-year criminal enterprise that intersected with his role as a public official. The investigation by the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility and local law enforcement revealed a systematic breach of both the law and professional ethics:
1. Criminal Conspiracy and Narcotics
In early 2024, Stout entered guilty pleas to two severe felonies:
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Conspiracy to Sell Illegal Drugs: Stout admitted to participating in a tri-state drug trafficking ring in 2022, which involved the distribution of Schedule VI-controlled substances.
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Money Laundering: Prosecutors revealed that Stout used illegal proceeds to fund his judicial campaign, directly corrupting the electoral process for the bench.
2. Violations of Professional Conduct
In its final order, the Supreme Court found that Stout knowingly violated RPC 8.4 (a), (b), (c), and (d). These rules prohibit an attorney from committing criminal acts that reflect adversely on their honesty or fitness, engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, or engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
A Decisive Disciplinary Timeline
Stout’s removal from the legal community was a multi-stage process following his initial arrest:
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February 28, 2024: The Supreme Court of Tennessee issued an Order of Temporary Suspension immediately following his guilty pleas to “serious crimes.”
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May 2, 2024: Stout was sentenced in criminal court to an effective eight-year sentence (one year of incarceration followed by seven years of probation).
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January 17, 2025: The Supreme Court finalized the Permanent Disbarment. While a standard disbarment allows for a reinstatement petition after five years, Permanent Disbarment terminates the individual’s status as a lawyer for life.
Professional Background and Impact
Perry Lee Stout had been a licensed attorney in Tennessee since 2004, having graduated from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He served the community of Mountain City and Johnson County for nearly two decades before his criminal activities were uncovered.
The impact of his case reached beyond his law license; it triggered a crisis of confidence in the local judiciary. His admission that drug money was used to secure a judicial seat highlighted the critical need for the Tennessee Bar Association and the Board of Professional Responsibility to maintain rigorous oversight of those in positions of power.
Conclusion: A Final Measure of Justice
The permanent disbarment of Perry Lee Stout represents the ultimate sanction available to the Tennessee Supreme Court. It serves as a necessary boundary to protect the public from individuals who leverage their legal knowledge and status to facilitate criminal enterprise. For those looking to verify the standing of any Tennessee attorney, the Board of Professional Responsibility maintains a public database of all disciplinary actions to ensure transparency.
