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.
Where Ray Lepone stands, based on their records
Supports
Public Safety and Crime Control (1 record)
Track record
Track record — Public Safety and Crime Control
Public Safety and Crime Control · 1 support
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, 2025Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: mlk50.com · researched July 14, 2026
Track record — General
General · 1 record
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 · researched August 21, 2026
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 · researched July 14, 2026
Past race Ray Lepone ran in:
- Criminal Court Judge Division I, District 30, Unexpired Term · August 6, 2026 · Shelby County, Tennessee · incumbent
Profile last researched July 13, 2026.