Connecticut Chief Public Defender Faces Misconduct Allegations

Connecticut Chief Public Defender Tashun Bowden-Lewis chats with supporters before a hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn. on April 16, 2024, on whether she should keep her job

Connecticut's top public defender is under scrutiny as the state's Public Defender Services Commission considers whether to terminate her employment due to a series of alleged misconduct. The chief public defender, the first Black person to hold the position, appeared before the commission to address 16 misconduct allegations brought against her, including accusations of racism, improper email access, and creating a hostile work environment.

The commission deferred a decision on potential discipline after a lengthy hearing, allowing the public defender and her legal counsel to determine if they wish to call witnesses. The chief public defender denied the allegations and emphasized her commitment to making tough decisions for the agency's improvement.