KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan announced Tuesday that he would take senior status, meaning the Knoxville-based judge will take on a lesser caseload after more than 22 years in the role.

Varlan oversaw many notable cases in East Tennessee, like the trial of Eric Boyd, who was involved in the Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom murder case. He also oversaw cases and made decisions for TVA’s 2008 coal ash spill at its Roane County plant and Lake City, Tennessee’s transition to Rocky Top, Tennessee, among other notable decisions and rulings.

Confirmed by President George W. Bush in 2003 and confirmed in a 97-0 Senate vote, Varlan was the first person of Greek descent to hold the position in his district. He served as chief judge of the district from 2012

See Full Page