The oversight commission in Connecticut is currently discussing whether to fire Chief Public Defender TaShun Bowden-Lewis for alleged misconduct. The decision will not be announced until next month. Bowden-Lewis, the first Black chief public defender in the state, is facing 16 misconduct allegations, including making unfounded racism and discrimination allegations and improperly accessing emails. She denies all the allegations and claims she has been micromanaged and scrutinized more than her predecessors. The commission was expected to discuss her fate in a closed-door executive session, but the decision will be disclosed at their meeting on June 4.
A public hearing regarding potential discipline for Bowden-Lewis took place last month, during which dozens of her supporters attended and argued against her dismissal. Bowden-Lewis has stated that the commission has questioned her authority under state law and regulations as she works to improve public defender services. She aims to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the criminal justice system. Despite the allegations against her, Bowden-Lewis emphasizes that her decisions within the agency have been made with the intent to create awareness about injustice.
Bowden-Lewis, who has 30 years of service in the public defenders’ office, is set to receive an award from the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity later this month. In October, the commission reprimanded her for “inappropriate and unacceptable” conduct. Following this reprimand, she was placed on paid administrative leave in February due to a vote of no confidence from the public defenders’ union. The panel issued nine directives to Bowden-Lewis, some of which she allegedly failed to follow. She is accused of disregarding the commission’s authority, reprimanding her legal counsel, and acting in retaliation towards them.
The conflict between Bowden-Lewis and the commission became public last year when four out of five members resigned after allegations of racism and threats of a lawsuit were made by Bowden-Lewis. The resignation of these members was related to the rejection of her choice for a human resources director. The public defenders’ office, which has over 400 employees, serves lower-income individuals who cannot afford legal representation in criminal and other cases. Bowden-Lewis’s leadership has been a point of contention within the office, leading to increased scrutiny and tension between her and the commission.
Despite the allegations and ongoing discussions about her future, Bowden-Lewis continues to defend her actions and decisions as being in the best interest of creating a more just and inclusive criminal justice system. The delay in announcing the decision regarding her employment reflects the complexity and seriousness of the situation. Supporters of Bowden-Lewis argue that she should not be fired, citing her dedication to the public defenders’ office and her efforts to bring about positive change. The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for the leadership of the public defenders’ office in Connecticut.
