KNOXVILLE - On April 28, 2026, Robert Brian DeBusk, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Mr. DeBusk worked as an assistant district attorney, and he discovered an email that a defendant had sent from jail to his attorney. This intercepted email became part of the basis for a motion to disqualify the district attorney’s office. Mr. DeBusk was subpoenaed to testify at the hearing on the motion to disqualify. While in the hallway prior to testifying, Mr. DeBusk discussed the facts with an attorney not related to this matter. He was then called to testify. When asked about the facts, Mr. DeBusk stated “I don’t recall” which was contrary to what he had discussed in the hall. He was further pressed on his recollection, and Mr. DeBusk refused to answer by pleading the “Fifth.” Finally, Mr. DeBusk testified substantively about the facts of the matter.

By these acts, Robert Brian DeBusk has violated Rules of Professional 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty) and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of justice) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.

A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s ability to practice law.