The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the revocation of Chase Lyndal Harrison's judicial diversion following multiple violations of his probation. This decision, filed on September 11, 2026, affects Harrison, who had previously pleaded guilty to mitigated statutory rape and possession of marijuana with intent to sell. The ruling underscores the court's stance on judicial diversion and the conditions required for maintaining such status.
In 2021, Chase Lyndal Harrison faced serious charges, including statutory rape and drug-related offenses. After pleading guilty to mitigated statutory rape and possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule VI drug, he was placed on judicial diversion for four years. This meant he could avoid a formal conviction if he complied with the terms of his probation. However, his journey through the judicial system took a turn as he faced multiple probation violations.
The case began in April 2021 when a Montgomery County grand jury indicted Harrison on several charges, including statutory rape and drug possession. In February 2023, he accepted a plea deal, which included a two-year judicial diversion for each of the two cases against him, to be served consecutively. This diversion required him to register on the sex offender registry and comply with probation conditions. However, multiple violations led to the revocation of his diversion status.
Harrison's troubles began when he was arrested for domestic assault in November 2023. Although the state did not present evidence for this violation, it marked the beginning of a series of events that would lead to further legal troubles. In early 2024, law enforcement conducted controlled buys of cocaine from Harrison, which were part of a larger investigation into his activities. These incidents culminated in a significant arrest on May 1, 2024, during which cocaine was discovered in a patrol car after Harrison's arrest.
On September 4, 2025, a hearing took place to address the multiple probation violations. The state presented evidence that Harrison had engaged in criminal conduct while on probation, including selling drugs and failing to comply with sex offender registry requirements. The trial court found that he had indeed violated the terms of his diversion, leading to the revocation of his judicial diversion.
Presiding Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer, along with Judges Robert H. Montgomery, Jr. and J. Ross Dyer, delivered the court's opinion. The court stated, "The evidence presented at the hearing established that the Defendant engaged in criminal conduct related to drug charges and the sale of cocaine." The court emphasized that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in revoking Harrison's judicial diversion, noting that pending criminal charges could serve as a basis for such a decision.
The court also addressed Harrison's arguments regarding entrapment and the tampering with evidence charge. The court found that there was no evidence of inducement to support an entrapment defense, and Harrison's challenge to the tampering charge was deemed waived due to a lack of supporting argument.
This ruling has significant implications for individuals on judicial diversion in Tennessee. It reinforces the idea that violations of probation terms, even if related to pending charges, can lead to the revocation of judicial diversion. The court's decision highlights the importance of compliance with all legal requirements during the diversion period.
Looking ahead, Harrison's case may still have avenues for appeal, although the court's ruling solidifies the current decision regarding his probation status. The implications of this case could resonate with others in similar situations, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to probation conditions to avoid severe consequences.