Hixson Man Charged after Threatening Hamilton County Judge

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)

A Hixson man accused of threatening a Hamilton County judge, appeared in court this morning.
Now all 5 general sessions court judges have recused themselves from presiding over the case.

30 year old David Lee Graham appeared in front judge Stephen Bales in general sessions court Monday…after being charged with retaliation against Judge Lila Statom.

Graham had appeared before judge Statom before on a charge of reckless burning last year.

“In light of the charges…retaliation against a fellow general sessions judge…*that wasn’t me* Mr. Graham please be quiet you’ve got an excellent attorney representing you, let him represent you.”

He was set to appear before Judge Christine Sell but she, along with 4 other general session court judges recused herself.

“We’re going to recuse yourself and we’re asking for the appointment of a general sessions judge from outside this jurisdiction.”

According to the affidavit, the Hamilton County courthouse had been recovering faxes addressing Judge Statom.

Detective Ric Whaley says he was conducting an investigation into the “strange fax” messages, at the time they did not contain any threats.

But, on July 22nd authorities became aware of an email by the same person they believed sent the fax.

In the email the person made specific there’s saying quote, ” we’re going to kill judge Statom and quote we have a courthouse bomb.”

Later that day authorities were able to track down he source of the messages, David Lee graham.

Law enforcement took graham into custody on unrelated charges…they later found notebooks consistent with the fax and emails that were sent as well as a cell phone.

The affidavit says, Graham later admitted To sending the threats.

Graham’s attorney, Mike Acuff, filed a motion to have forensic evaluation be done.

“He doesn’t understand what’s going on your honor and I’m asking for a forensic evaluation…”

Graham is next court appearance is set for August 31st.

Graham has been in and out of court since 2006 for a variety of charges.