Ray Lepone
TN · Criminal Court Judge, 30th Judicial District, Division I
Ray Lepone serves as the Division I judge of the Shelby County Criminal Court in Tennessee's 30th Judicial District. Before joining the bench in 2025, he served as a Tennessee assistant attorney general, a deputy and assistant Shelby County district attorney, and a Juvenile Court magistrate. He earned degrees from Kennesaw State University and the University of Memphis law school.
Track record
Track record — General
General · 2 records
On August 28, 2025, Governor Bill Lee appointed Raymond Lepone Criminal Court Judge for Tennessee's 30th Judicial District, filling the vacancy created by Judge Paula Skahan's retirement. The governor's announcement identified Lepone as an Assistant Attorney General in the Tennessee Attorney General's Criminal Appeals Division.
August 28, 2025
Source: tn.gov
While a finalist for the Criminal Court Division I vacancy, Ray Lepone committed to a tough-on-crime approach if appointed, emphasizing accountability and consequences while also describing rehabilitation as appropriate in some cases.
August 19, 2025
Source: mlk50.com
Track record — Legal Competence
Legal Competence · 1 favorable
Criminal Court Judge Ray Lepone upheld a $2 million bond for a man accused of stalking Memphis Mayor Paul Young, ruling that the bond was justified by the uniquely serious and aggravating facts alleged in the case.
November 4, 2025Favorable on Legal Competence
Source: actionnews5.com
Past race Ray Lepone ran in:
- Criminal Court Judge Division I, District 30, Unexpired Term · August 6, 2026 · Shelby County, Tennessee · incumbent