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'It’s just a typo' | Knox Co. candidate reworks resume after reporter points out discrepancy

Rhonda Lee is running for Knox County Public Defender in the March 3 Primary.

After hearing concerns about a contradiction between her resume and her actions in court, Knox County Public Defender candidate Rhonda Lee told 10News one of her campaign workers made a simple mistake.

“It was not anything intended to mislead, it was a typo,” Lee told 10News.

At issue was the following line addressing Lee’s legal experience in her online resume:

In addition she has litigated over one thousand cases from the initial appearance of a criminal prosecution, through trial, and through the appellate proceedings. 

-Campaign Website

Credit: Rhonda Lee campaign website

That line appeared to contradict actions in during a criminal court case in Knox County in February of 2018. In representing a client, she signed a motion to withdraw that included the following note about her experience:

Defense Counsel has no experience doing appeals which would make the defendant prejudiced by counsel lack of experience. -February 13, 2018 State of Tennessee v. Kipling Colbert, Jr.

Credit: court records

Lee told 10News the resume line was a typo and in no way intended to exaggerate her background as an attorney. Adding any suggestion to the contrary smacks of dirty politics.

“Anyone that would be calling to raise this issue is on his campaign and trying to attack me,” said Lee.

In a phone conversation with a 10News reporter, she went on to explain that she has filed for appeals before but never argued in front of an appellate court. She noted the line in her online resume has been changed to reflect her experience.

In addition she has litigated over one thousand cases from the initial appearance of a criminal prosecution and through jury trial. -Campaign Website

RELATED: Early voting begins for presidential primary and county primary elections

Rhonda Lee is running for Knox County Public Defender in the March 3 Primary. You can see her appearance on Inside Tennessee with her Republican rival and current Knox County Public Defender Eric Lutton below:

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