Wesley Bray Selected as New Criminal Court Judge

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has selected Cookeville attorney Wesley Bray to become the 13th Judicial District’s newest criminal court judge.

The decision comes after Judge David Patterson retired from his position effective June 30.

Bray said he looks forward to the opportunity and looks to hit the ground running.

“I don’t think it’s any secret from anyone that I’ve dealt with or talked to that this is something we’ve always been led to and it’s always been a focus for myself and my family,” Bray said. “It’s where the Lord has led us to be and it’s where work has led us to be. I think it’s the next step to be able to help people of the Upper Cumberland.”

Bray was one of three finalists for the position during the interview process at Tennessee Tech in June. Rebecca Brady and J. Michael Shipman were also considered for the vacancy.

Bray said his background in private practice and with the District Attorney’s office gives him a diverse background to serve the people of the Upper Cumberland.

“I think that the people benefit from having a judge with balanced experience,” Bray said. “I’ve prosecuted people, I’ve defended people, and now as we’re going forward, we’re looking to help people with their problems… and use that balanced experience.”

Bray said he will likely be sworn in sometime later this week with a formal ceremony taking place in the near future. Bray will run for election in 2020 to fulfill the completion of the term which runs through 2022.