The state of Tennessee provided John Brown Hagler with a law license in 1967 after he graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Law.

In one matter, the FBI was provided with a tape made by Johnny that contained disturbing fantasies some of which were apparently of a sadistic nature. Johnny’s conduct as reported by various media sources and/or George Washington University Law Professor Jonathan Turley is set forth below.

• FBI ruled out any connection to a murder case and concluded that it was pure fantasy, albeit highly disturbing fantasy
• Chattanooga police Sgt. Alan Frank stated that “It sounded like someone being tortured . . . The content was so shocking.
• DA Bebb said of the tape: “This would disturb any human being who heard it.”
• Law Professor Jonathan Turley said: “Clearly, the judge’s apparent interest in sadistic fantasies is highly disturbing.”
• Johnny acknowledged that the tape contained “graphic fantasies” (CBS News)
• Johnny’s secretary said when she listened to the tape “I shook all over. I was just numb.” (The Chattanoogan)
• CBS reported that a prosecutor testified that at the time of the tapes disclosure he had been bothered by a “demon” for decades
• Johnny’s attorney Roger Jenne guaranteed that disclosure of the content of the tape would be damaging to Johnny and his family. (WDEF-TV)

Johnny’s Lame Defense

In defense of his conduct as set forth above, Johnny made the following laughable statements and/or comments

• Suggested the leak was committed by someone with a grudge against him
• “In my opinion, the real story here, so strongly expressed by an alert and outraged public, is not about me or my sins, but about whether one of our essential public institutions, the judiciary, has been the victim of a retaliatory attack.”

And in a final attempt at levity, Johnny said:

“I have tendered my resignation because of this embarrassment and to leave no room for anyone to reasonably

question my integrity as a judge.”

Can there be any doubt that Johnny missed his calling as a Standup Comedian?

Johnny remained on the bench in Cleveland, Tennessee until he was forced to resign in 2008 as a direct consequence of his disturbing conduct as set forth above. 

As we speak (ca. March 2020), unreliable and anonymous sources have indicated that Johnny has an application pending for a job as a greeter at the Walmart Supercenter Store at 2300 Treasure Drive SE in Cleveland, Tennessee.